Knowledge is power: how to support men’s mental health

Many Canadian men experience mental health problems. And studies show that men are less likely to seek help.

But there are ways to proactively address this situation. Here’s how men – plus their friends and families – can move forward.

Inform yourself: why knowledge makes a difference in mental health

Men tend to be less knowledgeable about their mental health, according to a Mental Health Commission of Canada report. They may wait longer before talking to someone – or even wait till a full-blown crisis erupts. 

Here are a few of the concerns:

Views of masculinity. Certain male stereotypes negatively influence how men manage their physical and mental health. This includes, in certain cases, social conditioning to hide emotions.

Stigma. Men who admit to psychological vulnerability are still sometimes stigmatized, according to Anxiety Canada. But not seeking help can lead to serious problems. In fact, almost 75% of Canadians who die by suicide are men. 

 *If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8. Support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Lack of visibility. Men’s symptoms can go unnoticed. For example, mental health research suggests that some men experience depression differently. For example, rather than causing the appearance or feelings of sadness, men’s depression may take the form of irritability, increased apathy, or feeling a loss of energy and vitality. In some cases, increased substance use like alcohol or cannabis may be a response to depression. 

One solution? Knowledge. Studies show a direct link between knowledge and help-seeking. People who have a better understanding of mental health are more likely to seek help. Also, men are sometimes less likely to identify the symptoms they’re experiencing and take them seriously.

Here are some signs to look for in yourself – and in your loved ones.

• Tendency towards seclusion
• Increased use of alcohol and drugs
• Sleep problems and loss of appetite
• Lack of energy
• Mood swings and expressing themselves differently
• Disorganization (difficulty organizing yourself and functioning normally)
• Memory loss
• Nausea or dizziness
• Prolonged state of sadness
• Episodes of euphoria or intense excitation
• Difficulty concentrating
• Increased self-criticism or excessive guilt

Early signs of mental health challenges can sometimes occur in childhood or adolescence. It’s important to note the onset of any potential symptoms so you can take steps as needed.

3 common mental health disorders among men

Mental health disorders can affect anyone, regardless of gender. However, some appear to be more common among men.

1. Depression

Lots of people experience depression, at different times and ages. In Canada, 11% of men and 16% of women will have a major depressive episode in the course of their lives. Common symptoms include fatigue, sadness, feelings of guilt, and loss of interest in work and other activities. They can occur over long periods of time. 

It’s worth noting that some men may experience depression differently than the “typical” way. What is, in certain cases, described as “male depression” includes behaviours like irritability, anger, substance use, risk-taking, and impulsivity.

According to the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, mood disorders are often missed or misdiagnosed by family physicians – especially in the course of a GP's busy practice.

2. Anxiety

People with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) worry constantly, excessively and uncontrollably. 

Anxiety Canada notes that they often experience uncomfortable physical symptoms as well. These may include sweating, stomach discomfort, irritability, sleep problems, and difficulty paying attention or concentrating.

3. Burnout

Burnout is characterized by physical and mental fatigue. Many Canadians – perhaps as many as 78% – have experienced it in some form.

It is typically work-related. Job burnout occurs when there’s an imbalance between workplace demands, “pressure at work”, and the resources available to deal with them. When work demands exceed our ability to respond to them, it results in exhaustion and an inability to properly carry out professional duties. 

According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, a person with burnout tends to be frustrated, dissatisfied, and tired of going to work. They may find it hard to deal with others at work. Burnout isn’t depression, but it can lead to depression. 

These mental health challenges sometimes lead to masking.

What’s “masking”?

The Canadian Mental Health Association talks about the mental and emotional impact of social “masking,” which occurs in men and women: “Living with mental health challenges often forces people to hide behind a ‘mask’ to protect themselves from judgment and discrimination.”

They explain that “people who regularly mask do it well, so it’s not always easy to tell when it’s happening. For boys and men, toughness is a common, often unconscious masking behaviour. When we pay close attention to our own, and others’ actions, words, moods, and physical responses, we can sometimes see those masks and seeing them is part of how we let them go.”