Men’s Mental Health: A Conversation We Need to Have

This Men’s Mental Health Month, it’s time to talk openly about mental health and encourage men to seek support without shame.

Men’s mental health is often overlooked, yet it’s a crucial topic we need to address. On average, men die by suicide nearly 3.5 times more often than women—a staggering statistic that highlights how deeply mental health issues affect men.

As a man and co-founder of Shift Collab, I feel compelled to speak out about this issue.

Societal Expectations and the Struggle to Seek Help

Societal expectations often discourage men from expressing vulnerability or seeking help. Many men tend to be reactive rather than proactive when it comes to therapy, often waiting until a crisis occurs before reaching out for support.

This isn’t surprising when we consider the traditional norms that associate masculinity with stoicism, emotional control, and self-reliance. We’re conditioned to think that showing emotion is a sign of weakness, and that asking for help is somehow “unmanly.”

The statistics are alarming: over 6 million men in Canada suffer from depression each year, and yet men are far less likely than women to seek mental health support. This resonates with me because I’ve seen firsthand how these expectations can prevent men from seeking the help they need—whether it’s among friends, colleagues, or even within my own experiences.

The Stigma That Keeps Men Silent

The stigma surrounding men’s mental health can make it challenging to seek help. Too often, men feel that attending therapy means admitting weakness, when in reality, it takes strength to confront one’s struggles.

The fear of being judged or seen as “less than” prevents so many men from taking that first step toward healing. And the cost of waiting can be high—not just in terms of mental health, but in relationships, work, and overall well-being.

Changing the Narrative: Therapy Is Strength

At Shift Collab, we believe it’s crucial to change this narrative. Seeking therapy is an essential tool for personal growth, overcoming challenges, and fostering self-awareness.

It doesn’t make you any less of a man; if anything, it’s an act of courage and strength. I’ve seen how transformative sharing experiences can be, especially when men open up in spaces that feel safe and supportive.

I remember a close friend finally opening up about his struggles with anxiety after years of brushing it off as “work stress.” Once he did, it changed everything—not just for him, but for our friendship and for how we both saw vulnerability.

The Role of Community Support

Community support is vital in breaking down these barriers. Movember serves as a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to raise awareness about men’s mental health.

Its mission—starting conversations about men’s mental health, suicide prevention, and physical health—aligns with what we envision at Shift Collab: a culture where men feel empowered to seek help, express their emotions, and support one another.

I encourage you to engage in these conversations, whether online or in your daily life. When we normalize talking about mental health, we create more space for men to feel safe asking for help.

Resources and Practical Tips

If you or someone you know is struggling, there are resources available. The Canadian Mental Health Association, the Movember Foundation, and Lifeline Canada all provide support for men’s mental health.

At Shift Collab, as an online mental health therapy practice, we’re dedicated to offering a safe and accessible space for men to seek help without fear of judgment. Therapy can be the start of a better, healthier future—both mentally and emotionally.

Remember, self-care is essential. Simple practices like taking time for daily reflection, engaging in physical exercise, and scheduling regular mental health check-ins can make a significant difference in how we feel. Even spending time outside or connecting with friends can be a step toward better mental health.

Talking about men’s mental health is vital. By sharing our stories and supporting one another, we can foster a culture of openness and acceptance.

Let’s make this Movember a turning point in our conversations about men’s mental health.