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“Be a Man”- Exploring Societies Changing Perspectives on Male Mental Health

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History of Men’s Mental Health

For decades, women have been linked to having the “hysteric” or “emotional” types of personalities or mood disorders. Some found this to be more present due to the nature of the gender roles before the feminist movement. Earlier studies show that male emotions likely manifested more as physical symptoms that were less stigmatized, and this means that many men were undiagnosed.

Stats on Male Mental Health Ages 15+ (2022)

  • 50% reported very good mental health

  • 32% reported good mental health

  • 17% reported poor mental health

  • Males in relationships had better mental health

  • Males who owned their place had better mental health

Other Stats:

  • A North American study found that 75% of suicides were males and 73% of those with substance use disorders were males.

  • Males have higher rates of DSM-V named “neurodevelopmental disorders”.

  • Males have higher rates of impulse control disorders.

  • According to data, males have about half the prevalence of anxiety and depressive disorders when compared to women, however, there may be reporting biases.

  • Most mental disorders in men are underdiagnosed.

  • Men are less likely to express their emotional distress and to seek treatment.

What Does Men’s Mental Health Look Like

  • Distractions/escape activities (increased participation in sports or time at work)

  • Substance use (alcohol, marijuana)

  • Anger or irritability

  • Impulsivity

  • Reckless behaviour (overspending, risky driving)

  • Changes in mood, sleep, or appetite

  • Restless or on edge

Changing Trends, The Rise of Toxic Masculinity

Over the years, there has been an increase in those advocating against toxic masculinity.

Toxic masculinity: “the notion that some people’s idea of “manliness” perpetuates domination, homophobia, and aggression. Toxic masculinity involves cultural pressures for men to behave in a certain way. And this likely affects all boys and men in some fashion. This idea that men need to act tough and avoid showing all emotions can be harmful to their mental health and can have serious consequences for society.”

With this new term around media, the stigma of men struggling mentally has been slowly reduced. Now, we tend to welcome open discussions about male mental health and there are more resources available for support.

What Happens When We “Tough Out” Mental Health

  • Unmanaged stress can lead to burnout which may look like exhaustion, irritability, and social withdrawal

  • Chronic pain and other physical issues

  • Loss of social connections

  • Struggling in relationships

  • Poorer work performance

  • Overall, a lower satisfaction across various areas

Resources for Men’s Issues Because Your Mental Health Matters

Access Mental Health Counselling

Rebound Total Health Clinic offers online and in-person counselling and is flexible to meet all needs. Whether you choose a male or female therapist, they are there to support you and introduce you to opening up about your struggles or goals with nuggets of psychoeducation.

Support Groups

Men’s groups can be a safe space to connect and collaborate with others who you may relate to. They are an excellent place for healing and growing with a community. Support groups can take the form of emotional support, teaching skills for personal skill growth and ways to improve self-confidence. Other topics may include trauma processing, leadership skills, and working through struggles with anger and addictions.

You can find local support groups in Hamilton and surrounding areas at the link here.

Stress Management Strategies

Yes, men can incorporate “self-care” as well. “Self-care” refers to any intentional actions taken to improve your mental or physical health (or ideally, both!).

  • Exercise

  • Journalling

  • Joining a sports team with friends or coworkers

  • Hobbies

  • Reading

  • Grounding in nature

  • Prioritizing sleep hygiene

What You Can Do To Reduce the Stigma

CAMH has found that stigma prevents 40% of the total population (men and women) from seeking help for their anxiety or depression.

Here are some things you can do:

  • Join an online program or course on psychoeducation

  • Share with others what you have learned

  • Learn to use appropriate language when speaking about mental health

  • Realize that a diagnosis does not define you or your identity

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