This article was written by Harliv Anand, Program Support Assistant at the Student Wellness Center.
June, while recognized as Men’s Mental Health Month, is often overlooked due to a lack of awareness. This month serves as a reminder that mental health is just as important as physical health. Maintaining both is an ongoing process that requires attention and consistent effort. Bringing awareness to men’s health is crucial, as studies have shown that men are less likely than women to visit a doctor for preventative care, and rates are even lower for mental health related visits (Matheson et al., 2014; Vaidya et al., 2012). Men also have higher rates of undiagnosed depression and suicide, as they account for 75% of suicides in Canada each year (Canada, 2023). It’s been said that “every 1 in 10 men experience depression or anxiety and only half ever receive treatment” (Understanding Men’s Mental Health: From Awareness to Action, 2026). Encouraging discussions around men’s mental health and spreading awareness plays an important role in breaking the stigma surrounding men’s emotions and how they express them.
Societal expectations contribute to poor mental health among men by discouraging them from seeking help and accessing the support they need. From a young age, many men are taught to be tough and hide their emotions, while vulnerability is often viewed as a weakness. As a result, many men suppress their feelings instead of expressing them in a healthy manner. Further, work and financial stress can be major triggers, as men are often expected to be the ‘bread winners’ of the family. They also face pressures to work harder and provide more for others, which can lead to overwhelming stress and anxiety (Ogrodniczuk & Oliffe, 2011). Due to the ‘social stigma’ around sharing and expressing their emotions, men may rely heavily on their romantic partners for emotional support, and a lack of one can lead to feelings of emotional isolation. These factors ultimately combine and lead to the development of psychological distress, anxiety, and depression (Ogrodniczuk & Oliffe, 2011).
When emotions are constantly bottled up, the impact often presents itself in different ways. For example, substance abuse is a common way men cope with emotions and mental health problems. Research has shown that men are 44% more likely to drink alcohol everyday as compared to women and 64% more likely to binge drink (drinking 4 or more drinks in under 2 hours) every day (Frail, 2024). Men were also reported to have higher rates of consumption for illicit drugs, drug abuse, and overdose related deaths (Frail, 2024). These statistics highlight the importance of raising awareness and reducing stigma around men’s mental health.
One of the most important steps towards better mental health is breaking the stigma around it. Reaching out to your friends and family and creating a safe space by initiating conversations may encourage them to speak about their own experiences as well. Talking about mental health can be uncomfortable, especially if the other person is used to keeping their feelings private. You can start by asking questions like: “How have you been lately?” or “You seem upset, is there anything you want to talk about?”. It is important to be mindful of your words while initiating mental health conversations so as not to sound judgmental. You should always be patient and never rush to give advice; listen carefully, remind them that support is available, and encourage them to seek professional help if needed.
It is important to emphasize that talking about emotions does not make someone weak; it shows strength, courage, and a willingness to change. Sometimes knowing that someone else understands and is here to listen can help people feel less isolated. If someone, or yourself, needs extra help, there are always services, on and off campus, willing to help. Scroll down to find resources listed at the end of this article.
It is also important to acknowledge that someone may not be comfortable talking about their emotions even if they want to. In this case, it is important to have a healthy outlet for expressing or working through difficult emotions. Some examples include journaling, listening to or playing music, playing sports, or being outdoors. Another helpful habit is taking breaks from everyday tasks like school and work. In today’s fast-paced world, many people constantly focus on the future or worry about the past. Taking time to simply sit, breathe, and be present in the moment can reduce stress and improve mental well-being.
Men experience stresses every day, and learning to slow down and focus on the present can make a major difference. The important message is simple: talk about your feelings & reach out for help if you need it. Speaking openly about emotions can help relieve pressure, strengthen relationships, and remind people that they do not have to struggle alone.
Student Wellness Centre
Including medical care appointments and referrals. Counselling services: individual appointments, single same-day sessions, group programs, and mental health resources.
Services available to full-time undergraduate and graduate students.
Call 905-525-9140 x 27700 to book an appointment.
Good 2 Talk
A free, confidential helpline providing professional counselling and information and referrals for mental health, addictions and well-being to post-secondary students in Ontario, 24/7/365.
1-866-925-5454 or dial 211 and ask to be connected to Good2Talk.
9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline
Available for anyone in Canada; trauma informed, bilingual, and culturally sensitive.
Call or Text 988 for 24/7 crisis support.
Movember (ca.movember.com)
A global organization focused on men’s health issues, including mental health, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer.
Specific men’s health resources, self-monitoring steps, and men’s health story sharing.
Heads Up Guys (headsupguys.org)
The leading men’s mental health resource. A Canadian made resource from the University of BC.
Provides mental health-based quizzes, self-care toolkits (roadmap to recovery, dealing with stress, managing negative thinking, support team guide, helpful articles), resources for friends and family, and personal
Canada, P. H. A. of. (2023, November 14). Suicide and Self-Harm—Suicide Mortality—Canada.ca [Datasets;statistics;education and awareness]. https://health-infobase.canada.ca/mental-health/suicide-self-harm/suicide-mortality.html
Frail, N. (2024). Men and substance abuse | Health and Medicine | Research Starters | EBSCO Research. EBSCO. https://www.ebsco.com
Matheson, F. I., Smith, K. L. W., Fazli, G. S., Moineddin, R., Dunn, J. R., & Glazier, R. H. (2014). Physical health and gender as risk factors for usage of services for mental illness. J Epidemiol Community Health, 68(10), 971–978. https://doi.org/10.1136/jech-2014-203844
Ogrodniczuk, J. S., & Oliffe, J. L. (2011). Men and depression. Canadian Family Physician, 57(2), 153–155. https://www.cfp.ca/content/57/2/153
Understanding Men’s Mental Health: From Awareness to Action. (2026, May 26). https://adaa.org/find-help/by-demographics/mens-mental-health
Vaidya, V., Partha, G., & Karmakar, M. (2012). Gender differences in utilization of preventive care services in the United States. Journal of Women’s Health, 21(2), 140–145. https://doi.org/10.1089/jwh.2011.2876