Men's Mental Health: Awareness, Symptoms, and Support
Both men and women experience a range of challenges when it comes to mental health and wellness, yet the conversation surrounding men's mental health often feels taboo or ignored. Recognizing the signs that you or someone you love may be struggling with mental health and wellness is the first step toward getting the right help and treatment.
Various factors influence men's mental health; the following explores some of the most significant contributing factors. Note that this is not a definitive list, as each individual manages life and social experiences and expectations differently.
Mental health issues affecting men can stem from unique challenges that they face.
Societal Expectations
In today's world, societal expectations and gender norms continue to remain rigorous. Many men feel that they must be stoic, independent, and emotionally resilient at all times. This can make them feel isolated and prevent them from seeking the help they need, impacting their mental health.
Employment Issues
On top of societal pressures, employment and financial stress are significant risk factors. The pressure to succeed professionally and be the primary breadwinner in some relationships can lead to chronic stress and anxiety. Situations like economic turmoil or job loss can further worsen these feelings.
Family Dynamics and Fatherhood
The role of fatherhood and relationship dynamics can also affect mental health. The pressure to be a good provider, partner, or father can cause emotional strain, leading to anxiety and depression. While many new mothers are commonly screened for mental health concerns throughout and after pregnancy, such as postpartum depression, this is not routinely done for new fathers. It's important to recognize and acknowledge that approximately 10% of men may experience paternal postpartum depression (source).
Biological factors
Genetic predispositions, brain chemistry, hormones, and age can all influence our mental health. For instance, men with a family history of mental health disorders may be more likely to develop these conditions themselves (source). Hormonal imbalances or changes in brain chemistry can contribute to mental health issues such as depression or anxiety.
Developing health conditions can also trigger mental health issues. Dealing with health conditions like diabetes or hypertension may also lead to anxiety and stress (source).
Substance use
Certain behaviors like alcohol and substance use are more common amongst men (source), and can be both a cause and reaction to mental health problems. These substances may be used as coping mechanisms, but often lead to a destructive cycle, worsening the mental health condition.
The mental health landscape for men in Canada:
In 2024, around 30% of surveyed men in Canada were found to have moderate-to-high anxiety levels and 18.5% were at moderate-to-high risk of depression. (Source)
Depression is one of the strongest risk factors for suicide. (Source)
Men are 3 times more likely to die by suicide than women, although women attempt suicide 3 times more often. (Source)
Suicide rates are 10 times as high amongst Indigenous male youth c ompared to non-Indigenous male youth, and up to 6 times higher in men who identify as being part of a sexual minority. (Source)
Men are more likely to have higher rates of substance use disorders than women. People with substance use disorders are up to 3 times more likely to develop mental illnesses. (Source)
While eating disorders are less common amongst men compared to women, men who are diagnosed with an eating disorder are less likely to seek help. (Source)
Many mental health conditions have overlapping symptoms. The best course of action is to connect with a health care professional who can help guide you toward the proper diagnosis and treatment plan. The following are just some potential symptoms related to men's mental health diagnoses.
There are many types of eating disorders; the most common types include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, and avoidant restrictive food intake disorder. It's important to keep in mind that there are other eating disorders and that many people may only show a few symptoms of an eating disorder.
Anorexia nervosa (an eating disorder marked by significant undereating, leading to malnutrition)
Becoming preoccupied with body shape
Hair loss, dry skin, and growth of lanugo (fine) hair
Inability to regulate temperature (e.g., being cold all the time)
Low iron levels
Obsession with food, calories, or exercise
Secrecy around eating
Self-esteem that is heavily influenced by body image
Significant weight loss
Slow heart rate
Bulimia nervosa (an eating disorder marked by binge eating, then purging)
Becoming preoccupied with body shape
Behaviours that are signs of purging (e.g., vomiting, using laxatives inappropriately, frequent trips to the bathroom after eating)
Episodes of binging then purging that occur at least once a week for 3 months (source)
Obsession with food, calories, or exercise
Secrecy around eating
Self-esteem that is heavily influenced by body image
Signs of vomiting, including damaged teeth, swollen cheeks or jawline
Stomach pain or changes in bowel movements
Weight changes
Binge eating disorder (an eating disorder marked by significant overeating even after feeling full)
Binges that occur at least once a week for 3 months (source)
Feelings of guilt/shameabout overeating
Lack of control or overeating in short periods of time
Secrecy around eating
Significant weight gain
Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (an eating disorder marked by a very restrictive diet)
Limited range of food consumed
Loss of appetite or interest in food
Secrecy around eating
Significant weight loss
Depression - 5 or more symptoms lasting 2 weeks or more (source)
Thoughts of suicide
Feelings of despair and hopelessness
Detachment from life and the people around you
Always feeling tired or having no energy
Not being able to concentrate or make decisions
A loss of appetite or a change in sleep patterns
Headaches or stomach upsets that occur frequently
Anxiety - 3 or more symptoms lasting 6 months or more (source)
Irrational and excessive fear
Feeling restless or irritable
Increased muscle aches and soreness
Anxious thoughts, predictions, or beliefs
Difficulty managing daily tasks and/or distress related to these tasks
Avoidance of feared situations and/or activities that elicit sensations similar to those experienced when anxious
Substance Use Disorder - 2 or more symptoms within a 12-month period (source)
Taking the substance in larger amounts or for longer than you're meant to
Wanting to cut down or stop using the substance but inability to stop/reduce usage
Spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from use of the substance
Cravings and urges to use the substance
Impaired function at work, home, or school because of substance use
Continuing to use substances even when it causes problems in relationships
Giving up important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of substance use
Using substances repeatedly , even when it puts you in danger
Continuing to use substances, even when you know you have a physical or psychological problem that could have been caused or made worse by the substance
Needing more of the substance to get the effect you want (tolerance)
Development of withdrawal symptoms, which can be relieved by taking more of the substance
If you require mental health and wellness support, reach out to your HR or People and Culture representative to help you navigate the resources and programs available.
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), which are confidential services offered by employers, let you discuss personal concerns affecting your personal wellbeing. EAPs can also help you find a therapist best suited to your needs. In addition, many EAPs may offer the option to connect with health, life, or career coaches who specialize in men's health and wellness, and can be a great addition to counselling services.
If you or a loved one are struggling with thoughts of self-harm or suicidal ideation, or are experiencing acute mental health concerns, don't hesitate to call the suicide crisis hotline at 9-8-8. If you have concerns about the immediate safety of yourself or a loved one, call 9-1-1 for further support.
