Men’s Mental Health
Men’s mental health is a critical public health issue in Canada. While men and women can both experience mental health challenges and illnesses, their experiences and the barriers they face can differ significantly. Although men experience many mental health challenges at rates similar to women, they are often less likely to recognize symptoms, seek support, or access care. Mental health concerns may also present differently in men, including through irritability, anger, substance use, withdrawal, overwork, or risk-taking behaviours.
Men’s mental health is shaped not only by individual experiences, but also by social expectations, relationships, workplaces, communities, and access to support. Addressing these factors requires evidence-informed approaches and the voices of people with lived and living experience.
Nearly 75% of suicide deaths in Canada are among men.
Although rates of mental illness are broadly comparable between men and women, men are consistently less likely to recognize the signs, be open about what they are going through, or reach out for support.
This page brings together research, tools, and resources to help individuals, families, workplaces, and communities better understand men’s mental health and take meaningful action. Turning the tide on men’s mental health starts with the right information, the right conversations, and the right support.
Understanding the Key Issues
Several interconnected factors shape men’s mental health outcomes in Canada. Here is what the evidence tells us.
Stigma and help-seeking
Men are often socialized to suppress emotions and project strength. Social expectations around masculinity, concerns about stigma, limited mental health literacy, and barriers to accessing services can make it harder to recognize mental health challenges and seek support, even when the need is clear.
Suicide risk
Nearly 75 per cent of suicide deaths in Canada are among men. Men aged 45 to 64 experience some of the highest suicide mortality rates in Canada, making midlife an important focus for prevention and early intervention efforts. Understanding risk factors and warning signs is essential to saving lives.
Substance use and coping
Men are more likely to use substances as a way of managing emotional pain and psychological distress. Substance use can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviours, making early support and intervention especially important.
Equity and intersectionality
Not all men face the same risks. Research identifies heightened mental health and suicide risks among Indigenous men, 2SLGBTQIA+ men, veterans, public safety personnel, newcomers, racialized men, and men experiencing social isolation, financial insecurity, unemployment, or housing instability. These groups may face additional barriers to accessing culturally safe, appropriate, and timely support.
Mental health challenges are common, and support works. By reducing stigma, encouraging open conversations, and improving access to care, we can help more men feel supported, connected, and able to thrive.
Research shows that men’s mental health can be strengthened through:
- Strong social connections
- Supportive relationships
- Community belonging
- Physical activity
- Access to culturally safe services
- Healthy coping strategies
- Purpose and meaningful activities
- Early help-seeking
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are men less likely to seek mental health support?
Men are often socialized from a young age to project strength and suppress emotional vulnerability. Social norms around masculinity can make it harder to recognize the signs of a mental health challenge, talk openly about what they are experiencing, or reach out for professional support. Reducing stigma through awareness, open conversations, and visible role models is essential to changing this pattern.
What are the warning signs that a man may be struggling?
Warning signs can vary, but may include increased irritability or anger, withdrawal from friends and family, changes in sleep or appetite, increased use of alcohol or other substances, reckless behaviour, and expressions of hopelessness. Men may be less likely to express sadness directly; instead, distress may appear through these behavioural changes. If you are concerned about someone, starting a direct and compassionate conversation can make a real difference.
How can I support a man in my life who is struggling?
The most important thing you can do is start the conversation directly, without judgment, and with genuine care. Ask how he is really doing. Listen without trying to fix. Let him know that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. You can also share resources, offer to help him find a mental health professional, or simply check in regularly. You do not need to have all the answers to make a meaningful difference.
Why do men die by suicide at higher rates than women?
The reasons are complex and interconnected. Men are less likely to seek help before reaching a crisis point, and may use more lethal means. Social isolation, substance use, and the stigma around expressing emotional pain all contribute to elevated risk. Certain groups, including middle-aged men, Indigenous men, and men experiencing housing insecurity, face compounding risk factors. Targeted, evidence-informed prevention strategies are essential to addressing these disparities.
Featured Resource
This evidence brief summarizes the research on factors that lead to increased risk of suicide and suicide deaths among men, identifies subgroups at higher risk, and examines the potential and observed impact of COVID-19 on men’s mental health. It also highlights best and promising suicide prevention practices to inform policy and program development across Canada.
Learn More
Improving men’s mental health requires action from all of us. Whether you are looking for support for yourself, concerned about someone in your life, seeking workplace resources, or interested in learning more, there are tools and supports available.
Commission Resources
Articles
Research & Policy
Resources From our Sector Partners
- Canadian Men’s Health Foundation menshealthfoundation.ca
- Movember movember.com/mens-health/mental-health
References
Mental Health Commission of Canada
- Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in Men: Evidence Brief (2022).
- Men’s Mental Health and Suicide in Canada: Key Takeaways (2022). https://mentalhealthcommission.ca/resource/mens-mental-health-and-suicide-in-canada-key-takeaways/
- Shoulder to Shoulder: Experiences in Men’s Suicide Prevention (2023). https://mentalhealthcommission.ca/resource/shoulder-to-shoulder-experiences-in-mens-suicide-prevention/
Government of Canada
- Suicide Mortality in Canada, Public Health Agency of Canada. https://health-infobase.canada.ca/mental-health/suicide-self-harm/suicide-mortality.html
- Improving the Health of Men and Boys in Canada, Health Canada. https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/healthy-living/improving-health-men-canada.html
Canadian Research and Sector Organizations
- Beyond “Just Talk”: Rethinking Men’s Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in Canada, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) (2026). https://www.camh.ca/en/camh-news-and-stories/rethinking-mens-mental-health-and-suicide-prevention-in-canada
- Supporting Men’s Mental Health Beyond Awareness, Canadian Mental Health Association (2026). https://cmha.ca/news/supporting-mens-mental-health-beyond-awareness/
- From Silence to Support: Building Better Mental Health Supports for Young Men, Mental Health Research Canada (2026). https://www.mhrc.ca/mens-mental-health-report-2026