In 2023, men’s mental health issues have reached an alarming high, with an estimated 10% of Canadian men experiencing mental health challenges (Homewood Health, 2023). That’s just shy of 2 million men in Canada! In a world where social norms often dictate that men should be strong, stoic, and unyielding without seeking help, these numbers are not surprising. Yet, it’s crucial to recognize that men also experience a range of emotions and face unique mental health issues that demand our attention. In this blog, we’ll discuss issues unique to men and explore how therapy can better cope with these mental health challenges.
Issues Unique to Men
While mental health issues can affect anyone regardless of gender, certain challenges are more commonly associated with or unique to men. Here are some mental health issues often discussed in the context of men:
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Substance Abuse: Men are more likely to engage in risky behaviors, including substance abuse, as a way to cope with emotional pain or stress.
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Suicide: Shockingly, suicide is the second leading cause of death among college-age men, and 80% of suicides in Canada are men. These high rates may be attributed to the fact that men are less likely to seek therapy for mental health issues.
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Isolation: Some men may struggle with feelings of loneliness and isolation, especially if they feel pressure to conform to traditional ideas of masculinity that discourage emotional vulnerability.
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Depression: Social pressures may make men less likely to admit to feeling depressed and to reach out for help. Some argue that men experience depression differently, exhibiting symptoms like anger and risky behavior, which are not typically considered in standard depression assessments (Bilsker et al. 2023).
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Fatherhood and Work Stress: Men who are fathers may experience unique stressors related to fatherhood. Societal norms dictate that the father should be a provider for their family, which can create additional stressors during times of economic insecurity.
Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms
Men experience mental health issues at the same rate as everyone else but are far less likely to seek therapy and make changes (CBHS Health, 2023). Studies suggest that certain men adhere to traditional notions of masculinity to cope with their issues by not speaking out, not showing vulnerability, or dealing with these issues on their own in isolation. Here’s a list of unhelpful coping mechanisms (CBHS Health, 2023):
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Substance use
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Risky behaviors such as unsafe sex and gambling
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Sleeping more than usual
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Excessive technology use, such as social media, video games, and TV
These coping mechanisms, combined with social isolation, can lead to a major decline in mental health and an increased risk of self-harm or suicide. If you or someone you know is experiencing self-harm or suicidal ideations, call this number 1-866-550-5205 or see a professional right away.
Healthier Ways to Cope
Unfortunately, mental health doesn’t have a quick fix and won’t just go away with time. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to manage or eliminate mental health issues. In terms of men’s issues, the most important coping skill is seeking therapy and eliminating social isolation. Seeking help can be talking about your struggles with someone you trust, confiding in a professional about your mental health, such as your family doctor or psychotherapist, or joining a men’s mental health support group, either online or in person. Other ways to better cope include the following (Don’t Change Much, 2023):
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Developing healthy habits, such as exercise, meditation, eating well, and getting 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
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Cultivating a sense of purpose by setting small, realistic, achievable goals that lead to bigger accomplishments.
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Strengthening relationships. Being social and creating strong connections is key to living a happier life.
Breaking the Stigma
Breaking the stigma around men’s mental health begins with acknowledging the need for therapy and shattering the silence that surrounds it. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a badge of strength and resilience. By reaching out, sharing your experiences, and supporting one another, we can collectively break the stigma and redefine what it means to be a man facing mental health challenges. Together, we can work towards a brighter and more compassionate future for the men we love and ourselves. Let’s be the change, and let’s break the stigma.
References
CBHS Health (2023) What Coping Mechanisms do Men Really use to Stay Healthy?
Bilsker, D., Fogarty, A. S. F., & Wakefield, M. A. W. (2018.). Critical issues in men’s mental health sage journals.
Don’t Change Much (2023) Mental Health Tips for Men: A Guy’s Guide.
Homewood Health (2023) Men’s Mental Health.