June is men’s mental health month it is a time to raise awareness, break the stigma, and open conversations about the mental wellness of men.
Men’s Mental Health in Canada
Often, men face societal pressures that make it challenging to seek help and express their emotions. This has resulted in 75% of suicides in Canada to be men each year, totaling up to almost 3000 individuals yearly.
● Surveys have shown that up to 20% of Canadian men face mental health struggles, or report that they have poor mental health
● Young men in Canada between the ages of 19 and 29 are specifically at higher risk for severe depression and anxiety compared to the general male population
● Men identifying in marginalized groups (gay, bisexual, and racialized men) also are at higher risk for developing depression and anxiety
Why might these sex biases in men’s mental health exist?
Men’s mental well-being is impacted by the societal expectations of males, their personal stressors, and also stigma surrounding men struggling with mental health. Any number of factors may be the cause for poor mental health.
● Life events: personal stressors like work insecurity or rough work conditions, personal relationships, financial issues, health concerns, and many more.
● Trauma: men who are in situations resulting in PTSD, substance abuse with alcohol or drugs, or have other mental health struggles that may be comorbid with depression and anxiety.
● Lack of support: reluctance to seek help, stigma around men and taking care of themselves mentally, and a lack of knowledge or resources may all result in men’s mental health going unnoticed.
HeadsUpGuys and Men’s Mental Health
The SENSES concert is proudly supporting the work of HeadsUpGuys and their mission to advocate for men’s mental health by providing methods to navigate such challenges.
Located at UBC’s Vancouver campus, experienced professors, clinicians, and researchers bring about resources that help to increase men’ s knowledge about possible mental health struggles and provide a space where a supportive community can be achieved in dark times.
One useful screening tool is their self-check suite: https://headsupguys.org/mental-health-screening-tools/ When and how to reach out: https://headsupguys.org/getting-help-for-depression/
You are not alone in your journey. Read inspiring stories of incredible individuals: https://headsupguys.org/articles/
SENSES Concert in support of mental health advocacy
Join us in empowering men to live a healthy life both physically and mentally. Read about HeadsUpGuys to learn more about men’s mental health this month. Continue exploring the SENSES concert to reveal how you may begin your healing journey through music. Secure your tickets now to enjoy a night of discovery and empowerment.