CMHA WW Recognizes Men’s Mental Health Month 

Jun 19, 2024

In a 2020 survey, 22.8% of men in Canada reported their mental health as poor or fairⁱ. CMHA Waterloo Wellington aims to normalize conversations about mental health issues and reduce the stigma that often prevents men from seeking help. 

CMHA WW recognizes that stigma may make it difficult for men to identify their own mental health and addiction issues. In addition, signs and symptoms of mental health conditions may present themselves differently in men. Some signs of mental health distress are a change in appearance – not taking care of themselves, a change in sleeping patterns – sleeping too much or not enough, withdrawing, or isolating, lashing out, an increase in substance use.  

Men are more likely to describe their mental health concerns as physical symptoms such as headaches or chronic pain. This link between signs of mental illness and physical symptoms is often unrecognized and leads to undiagnosed, untreated men. As a result, men are more likely to develop schizophrenia at a younger age and four times more likely to die by suicide than women. The highest number of suicides occurring amongst men are between the ages of 40 and 60. Listen and provide space for someone to say that they are feeling down or anxious. 

Some warning signs include: 

• increased anger and irritability 
• disconnecting or isolating from family and friends 
• drastic changes in appetite, energy levels, or sleep patterns 
• misuse of substances  
• risky behaviour such as reckless driving 
• spending significantly more time at work 

Of the estimated 4,000 suicide deaths in Canada each year, close to 75 percent are men.^iv By learning and recognizing the warning signs, you can help the men in your life get the help they need. 
 
Help is available: 

• Buddy Up is a men’s suicide prevention campaign: a call to action for men, by men, to drive authentic conversation amongst men and their buddies that promotes connection and wellbeing.  
• BounceBack^® is a free Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) coaching program designed to help manage both anxiety and stress. Working remotely with a trained coach, BounceBack^® can help you build the skills you need to improve your mental health. 

If you or someone you love is struggling locally, please reach out to Here 24/7 at 1-844-437-3247 (Here 247).  9-8-8 is also available nationally for anyone who is thinking about suicide, or who is worried about someone they know. Connect to a responder to get help without judgement. Call or text 9-8-8 toll-free, anytime for support in English or French. Call 9-8-8 (toll-free, 24/7) or text 9-8-8 (toll-free, 24/7). For more information, visit https://988.ca.