Strong Inside and Out: Prioritizing Men's Mental Health for Movember
Why Men’s Mental Health Matters
Men’s mental health has gained more attention in recent years—yet it is still common for many men to experience concerning mental health symptoms and avoid seeking help due to perceived stigmas.
A recent study found that 65% of men said they hesitate to reach out for help when dealing with stress, anxiety and depression.
This delay in getting help (whether it’s from close friends, family or professional healthcare providers) often exacerbates the problem and reinforces a sense of isolation that can worsen health outcomes.
That’s why for Movember, we wanted to highlight the importance of men’s mental health and provide some resources to help men struggling with depression, anxiety or stress.
Open conversations, healthy habits, and proactive care can empower men to live healthier, more fulfilled lives. In this post, we’ll cover how to spot signs of mental health issues, and share some actionable tips on how to improve mental health. If you know a man who might be showing signs of depression or poor mental health, we’ve got some helpful advice for you below as well.
Recognizing the Signs: How Mental Health Issues Present in Men
The first step in treating poor mental health is recognizing the issue. So what are the symptoms of depression in men?
Depressed mood, irritably and/or anger
Withdrawn behavior (more so than usual)
Decreased interest or pleasure in things they used to enjoy
Change in appetite or in weight (loss or gain)
Fatigue, low energy or change in sleeping habits
Feelings of guilt and/or worthlessness
Reduced ability to concentrate
Physical pain such as headaches, backaches and digestive problems
Reckless behaviour such as engaging in dangerous sports, drinking compulsively, gambling, etc.
According to psychologist Dr. Borlan, “Men often present with more anger, irritability and controlling behavior when they’re feeling depressed or anxious,”.
If any of the above symptoms feel familiar to you, you may want to consider talking to a trusted friend or loved one, or reaching out to a registered healthcare provider (such as a counsellor or psychologist) for unbiased and professional advice.
Men’s Mental Health: Breaking the Stigma
Because men are less likely to seek help for mental health issues, they face higher rates of untreated depression, anxiety and suicide. This fact is made all too clear when we consider that in Canada, men account for close to 75% of suicides each year.
How can we, as a society, change this?
Reducing the stigma surrounding men’s mental health is a crucial step in reducing the number of untreated men suffering from depression or other conditions. Having a solid support system, that feels like a safe space for men to talk about their feelings is critical in achieving this. We’ll be covering some tips on approaching these types of conversations further down.
If you or someone you know is displaying worrying signs that they might hurt themselves or others, we urge you to reach out to:
Talk Suicide Canada (TOLL Free: 1-833-456-4566)
Suicide Crisis Helpline: 988
For more helplines, you can also visit this helpline directory.
Actionable Tips To Help Your Mental Health
As we promised earlier, here are some actionable tips to help you improve your mental health:
Move Your Body Regularly: Physical activity releases endorphins that improve mood and reduce stress. Even a walk outdoors can make a positive impact.
Prioritize Sleep: Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep each night to restore mental and physical health. Poor sleep can contribute to anxiety and burnout, as well as a range of other health issues.
Stay Connected: Reach out to friends, family, or trusted individuals. Social connections are crucial for mental well-being, especially in tough times.
Practice Mindfulness: Techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or journaling can help reduce stress and improve focus.
Set Realistic Goals: Break down tasks into manageable steps and celebrate small wins to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Seek Professional Support: When things feel unmanageable, talking to a counsellor or psychologist can provide valuable tools and coping strategies.
How To Check-In: Supporting the Men in Your Life
Checking in is one of the most important and powerful things you can do as a friend.
It can be tricky to figure out how to bring up a friend’s mental health or problems though, which is why we’ve included some pointers:
Start the Conversation Gently:
Use open-ended questions in a relaxed setting to encourage men to open up. Make sure to respect their boundaries, if they’re not ready to open up yet, don’t force it. Just make sure you let them know that you’re always around to listen if they need to talk.
You may also find that doing an activity can help the conversation flow better, as the focus isn’t fully on the conversation at all times.
Listen Without Judgment:
When a man opens up to you, they may want to hear your advice, or they may simply want you to listen. Try to read the room and don’t rush to offer unsolicited advice or opinions. Often, the best thing to do is validate their feelings and make them feel heard.
Most importantly, do not diagnose. Even if you are a licensed therapist, it is best to leave the diagnosis to an unbiased professional.
Offer Practical Support:
Provide specific ways to help, such as suggesting a coffee chat or offering to accompany them to a counselling session. It can be hard to know what exactly someone needs, so don’t hesitate to ask them “What is something you could use some help with?”.
Remember, it is their journey, so don’t force them to do anything they don’t want to even if you think it’s what’s best for them.
Check In Regularly:
After you’ve checked in, it’s important to follow up with a message like “How are things going?” to maintain trust and keep the conversation open. That being said, don’t make every interaction with that person about their mental health—make space for normal everyday activities, whilst periodically checking in with them about how they’re feeling.
Tall Tree’s experience with mental health support
Tall Tree’s integrated approach to healthcare means that we provide support for physical and mental health through personalized care and a patient-centric approach.
Our registered counsellors and psychologists are here to help manage symptoms of poor mental health and address their root causes. Contact us today if you’d like to set up an appointment.
Remember, check in with your friends and family to see how they’re doing. You never know when someone might need support.
For more mental health information, read on:
