Men's Mental Health Month: Shining a Light on Male Suicide and Overdose
How are the men in your life?
https://menshealthfoundation.ca/canadian-mens-health-month/ Links for outreach, zooms, handbooks, peer support, and more.
*CHECK IN WITH YOUR MALE FRIENDS AND FAMILY*
June is Men's Mental Health Month, a critical time to address the often-overlooked crises within our male population.
The focus on men's mental health is frequently overshadowed by Pride Month, which dominates public discourse in June. While we are distracted with parades, flags at government buildings, drag shows at local pubs and the like, many men are suffering in silence. The lack of attention to men's mental health contributes to persistent stigma and underfunded support systems, leaving many men - particularly straight men who may feel excluded from broader human rights protections in Canada - to face their struggles in silence. By examining key statistics and breaking down barriers, we can elevate the conversation around men's mental health and promote life-saving support.
The Silent Crisis: Male Suicide in Canada
Suicide remains a leading cause of death for men in Canada, with men accounting for approximately 75% of the country's estimated 4,000 annual suicide deaths. This translates to roughly 50 men dying by suicide each week. Middle-aged men (ages 40-60) are particularly vulnerable, with the highest suicide rates among all demographics. In 2022, the age-standardised suicide mortality rate for Canadian males was significantly higher than for females, with 2,688 male deaths compared to 905 female deaths.
The gender disparity in suicide is stark. Men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women. This is often attributed to men choosing more lethal methods, such as firearms or hanging, which reduce the likelihood of survival. For example, in 2019, of the 4,012 suicides in Canada, 3,058 were men, with the highest number (1,169) occurring among men aged 45-64.
Certain groups face even higher risks. Indigenous men, particularly Inuit youth, experience suicide rates up to 24 times the national average. Socioeconomic factors, such as unemployment and low income, further exacerbate risks, with men in lower socioeconomic groups facing suicide rates up to 10 times higher than affluent men.
Overdose: A Growing Concern
Drug overdoses, particularly opioid-related deaths, are another critical issue disproportionately affecting men. In British Columbia, males accounted for 81% of drug overdose deaths in 2020, a trend reflective of broader Canadian patterns. Between January 2016 and September 2019, an estimated 14,700 opioid-related deaths occurred across Canada, with men making up the majority. Canadian men are approximately three times more likely to experience addiction and substance abuse issues related to opioids, alcohol, and cannabis compared to women.
The connection between mental health and substance use is undeniable. Mental illness, particularly depression, is a significant risk factor for both suicide and overdose. Research indicates that over 90% of individuals who die by suicide have a mental or addictive disorder, with depression affecting approximately 60% of cases. Factors such as loneliness, unemployment, and educational dropout - disproportionately impacting men - further drive these outcomes.
“Military Personnel and Manual Laborers at High Risk: Mental health challenges are also prevalent among military personnel and certain occupational groups. Military personnel are 1.3 to 1.7 times more likely to report suicidal thoughts and plans compared to civilians. Similarly, men in manual labour sectors, such as construction and farming, face high suicide rates due to economic uncertainty, mental health stigma, social isolation, increased alcohol consumption, and poor working conditions.” - Read our our 2024 article HERE
Breaking the Stigma and Building Resilience
Men's mental health struggles are often exacerbated by societal pressures to "tough it out." In Canada, only 30% of mental health service users are men, and men are 2.7 times less likely than women to seek professional help. This reluctance is rooted in stigma, with 75% of Canadians surveyed expressing hesitation to disclose mental health issues to employers or coworkers. The overshadowing of Men's Mental Health Month by other June observances, like Pride Month, can further marginalise these discussions, particularly for straight men who may perceive fewer societal protections under frameworks like the Canadian Human Rights Act, which emphasises specific equity-seeking groups.
To address this crisis, we must normalise help-seeking behaviours. Men who express emotions and seek support are more likely to cope effectively before reaching a breaking point. Community-based programmes, like those funded through Canada's National Aboriginal Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy, show promise by integrating mental health services with cultural and social support. Workplaces can also play a role by offering confidential resources and fostering open dialogue. For example, asking "How are you really doing?" can open the door to meaningful conversations.
“Healthy emotional and social development in our early years lays the foundation for mental health and resilience throughout the lifespan. Yet, 70 percent of persons living with a mental illness see their symptoms begin before age 18. Mental illness affects some 1.2 million of our children and youth. By age 25, that number rises to 7.5 million (about one in five Canadians).” — Mental Health Commission of Canada” - Article on Youth Mental Health crises can be read HERE
Resources and Support
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available:
Canada Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 9-8-8
Talk Suicide Canada: 1-833-456-4566 (or text 45645 from 4 PM to midnight ET)
Crisis Text Line (U.S.): Text HOME to 741741
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.): Call or text 988
A Call to Action
Men's Mental Health Month deserves greater visibility to combat the deadly silence surrounding male suicide and overdose. By raising awareness, challenging stereotypes, and advocating for equitable mental health resources, we can save lives.
Check in on the men in your life - friends, fathers, brothers, and colleagues. Encourage them to share their struggles and seek help. Together, we can ensure no man feels he must face his pain alone, regardless of the competing narratives that dominate June.
* Canadian men have a higher completed suicide rate (~17-20 per 100,000) than the general population, including trans individuals, where data on completed suicides is limited but suggests lower rates despite higher attempt rates (10-20% lifetime prevalence). (Sources: Statistics Canada, 2022; Canadian Trans Survey, 2015) . In regions like the Cowichan Valley, local issues such as the ongoing transit strike, now in its fourth month, may exacerbate mental health and substance abuse challenges for men by limiting access to services and creating barriers to attending support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA), particularly for older residents and those in remote communities. (Source: CHEK News, May 28, 2025)
Sources: Statistics Canada, Public Health Agency of Canada, Mental Health Commission of Canada, British Columbia Coroners Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention