Agetha Mahendran
The month of November is widely dedicated as a month for recognition and advocacy on behalf of men’s mental health.
Men, on average, are less likely to seek some form of help for common mental disorders than their female counterparts. This widespread reluctance to ask for help has had immensely devastating consequences. Men are the largest at-risk groups for suicide and have a suicide rate triple the rate of women. Understandably, the Canadian Mental Health Association has dubbed this the silent crisis.
But what keeps men from reaching out for help?
A big part of this has to do with the stigma surrounding mental health, especially in men. Toxic masculinity deems that ‘real men’ should never be perceived as weak or emotional. This creates a culture where men are not comfortable coming forward and seeking help especially when it comes to issues like mental health. Instead, most men are convinced it is best to deal with their mental illnesses by themselves which often results in harmful behaviours and actions.
To reduce suicide rates and better men’s mental health, we as a society need to dismantle the unhealthy and toxic definition of masculinity. Teach men and boys that it is okay to ask for help and that doing so is not a question of their manhood. Educate everyone on the symptoms of depression and other common mental disorders. Finally, make mental health services more accessible. We need to create a safe space where men feel like they are able to talk and express their emotions as freely as they want without fear of judgement.
Charity organizations like Movember actively work to change the face of men’s mental health. They work with organizations around the world in countries like Canada, Australia and the UK and advocate for access to mental health resources.
If you or anyone you know is in a crisis and needs help, resources are available. Call Crisis Services Canada 1-833-456-4566 or Kids Help Phone 1-800-688-6868 for mental health issues. In case of an emergency, call 911 immediately.
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