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Unmasking men’s mental health: Breaking the silence during Men’s Mental Health Week
Jun 6, 2025
For generations, society has taught men to “man up,” hide their emotions, and suffer in silence. As a result, too many men are struggling behind closed doors, wearing masks to hide how they’re really feeling.
These societal expectations, along with cultural norms and toxic masculinity, often discourage men from speaking about mental health or seeking help. As a result, this can put men at greater risk for isolation, depression, increased substance use, risk-taking behaviours, anger and frustration, and, too often, suicide.
The Alarming Reality
Mental health does not discriminate—but when it comes to how it impacts men, the numbers speak volumes:
- Men have a suicide rate three times higher than women.1
- Of the estimated 4,000 suicide deaths in Canada each year, close to 75% are men.2
- Men are significantly less likely to seek mental health support or therapy.
These aren’t just numbers. They’re fathers, brothers, friends, and sons—lives lost to silence, stigma, and shame.
Changing the Narrative: One Story at a Time
To address the stigma and break down barriers, organizations like MenTELL.ca are challenging the status quo by encouraging men to speak up, share their stories, and support one another through lived experience.
I started MenTELL Health after my own struggles with mental health led me to a life-changing realization. I wasn’t alone. There were people out there for me when I wasn’t there for myself. When a group of us, everyday men from across the country, came together and shared our stories, we found hope in connection. That’s when we knew we had to let other men from all walks of life know they’re not alone.
“Our goal has been to break the stigma and shatter the silence by helping men unmask what they’re carrying and get the help they need. We’re not therapists, but we encourage men to speak up, reach out for professional support, and talk about what’s holding them down. We also urge them to find their circle of trust, because those people are out there.
“During Men’s Mental Health Month, we encourage men to speak up in person and also to tag/invite/collaborate with us @MenTELL.ca on social media after sharing something they enjoy doing for their mental health or mental wellness as something that helps them get out of their head and stay present.”
— Zak Hussein, Founder of MenTELL.ca
By sharing stories and creating community, MenTELL and other initiatives are helping men be vulnerable and speak up—and teaching them it’s okay to not be okay.
How you can help men
- Start the conversation. Ask the men in your life how they’re really doing—and listen without judgment.
- Normalize therapy. Encourage professional help, just as you would for physical health issues.
- Share resources. Highlight mental health supports and communities where men can connect.
- Challenge toxic masculinity. Redefine strength to include empathy, vulnerability, and courage.
June 9 to 16 is Men’s Mental Health Week. Let’s commit to creating a world where men feel safe enough to unmask how they’re really feeling. You can learn more at MenTELL.ca/Speakup or MensMentalHealthMonth.ca.
If you need it, help is available
- Buddy Up is a men’s suicide prevention campaign: a call to action for men, by men, to drive authentic conversation amongst men and their buddies that promotes connection and wellbeing.
- BounceBack® is a free Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) coaching program designed to help manage both anxiety and stress. Working remotely with a trained coach, BounceBack® can help you build the skills you need to improve your mental health.
If you or someone you know is looking for support, please contact CMHA Grey Bruce by calling 519-371-3642 or toll free at 1-888-451-CMHA.
If you are thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8 toll-free, anytime for support in English or French, or visit https://988.ca.
This article originated on the CMHA National website at Unmasking men’s mental health: Breaking the silence during Men’s Mental Health Week – CMHA National.