June is Men’s Health Month. However, it is important to continue to highlight the growing conversation around this topic year-round and reduce the stigma of those seeking support. Both men and women experience many of the same mental health disorders; however, the difference can be found in their willingness to talk about their challenges and feelings, and seek help.
Here are some stark men’s mental health facts:
- Approximately one million Canadian men suffer from major depression each year.
- On average, approximately 4,000 Canadians take their own life each year; of those suicides, 75% are men
- The suicide rate among Indigenous men is double the national average; the rate of Inuit men is 11 times higher than national average
The current state of men’s mental health is critical. Approaches are needed to address the increasing number of men who are experiencing mental health challenges. To understand what needs to be done, we must consider why men’s mental health is so difficult to address.
Recognition
Signs of mental health issues can vary from person to person and be hard to detect in loved ones. For example, some men with depression are more likely to hide their emotions, or they can come across as more angry, irritable, or aggressive when compared to the typical sign of sadness. Men with depression may feel tired and lose interest in work, family, or hobbies. They are also more likely to lose sleep and become restless.
Conversations
Stigmas associated with mental health are prevalent and common. Men are less likely to speak up about mental health problems and often face the stigma that seeking help for mental health is a sign of weakness. Without support and empathy, men will continue to suffer in silence and experience worsening or more challenges with mental health disorders. It is critical that men are helped to address their mental health by being encouraged and allowed to speak openly and confidently in safe spaces to do so.
What can I do?
With a greater understanding of the challenges men face, what can you do to support the mental health of the men in your life?
Become better informed. Understanding the unique challenges men face when it comes to mental health is the first step. Conduct research online or connect with a local men’s health organization. You can also consider if volunteering is right for you.
Ask how you can help or support. Start by simply asking questions like, “are you okay?” or “is there anything I can do to help?”. This can open the door to important conversations and can be the initial start of seeking help.
Be there to listen. It takes a lot of courage for someone to discuss their mental health challenges. Listening can be one of the most powerful ways to help someone, as it allows the individual to process and share their challenges.
Don’t blame or judge. Judgement or blame decreases someone’s willingness to share or seek support. The best support you can give is empathy and compassion.
Find appropriate supports. You can’t force someone to get help, but you can encourage it by offering solutions for support. Encourage helpful resources like an Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), a local support group, a counsellor, or a therapist.
Take care of yourself. It is much more difficult to support someone if you are emotionally drained yourself. Protecting your own physical and mental health ensures you can support those around you.
The more we normalize talking about mental health challenges, the healthier our society will be. Support the men in your life by being an advocate for reducing stigmas around mental health and being a voice for them when they need it the most.
To learn more about men’s metal health and building emotional fitness and resilience, sing up for the free webinar Learning to S.O.A.R.: Core Competencies to Build Emotional Fitness for Men with Mike Cameron, presented by CPA Assist.
CPA Assist provides confidential counselling services and 24/7 crisis support to Alberta and Saskatchewan CPAs, candidates, and their immediate families. To book an appointment through CPA Assist, call 1-855-596-4222 or email cpaforbes@telus.net.
