Eyes on

The perceived standards of masculinity and stigmas surrounding men seeking support for mental health disorders continue to present challenges. Men who hold more traditional masculine norms are more likely to hide vulnerability, ignore self-care, or avoid seeking medical help.

Beliefs about masculinity also encourage men’s general lack of interest in health issues; many men simply don’t believe they are susceptible to depression, so why bother learning about it? 

Men face the added stigma that seeking help for mental health is a sign of weakness, that ‘real men’ don’t ask for help, and that talking about topics like anxiety and depression won’t help.

Men often experience further bias within male counterparts with the perceived belief that mental health challenges make men a burden to others, and men should be able to control and manage their own feelings.

Whatever the stigmas, we are here to address the shame that men have which makes them think they are inadequate if they express a need to address their mental health.

Signs of

Poor Mental Health

Here are a few visible indicators that someone may be experiencing challenges with their mental health:

• Their personality has changed from the norm, such as mood swings, excessive anger, hostility, or violent behaviour, or the inability to cope with minor problems and daily activities
• They are experiencing excessive anxieties or prolonged depressive states, losing interest in their hobbies or social activities
• There has been an increased use of alcohol and/or drugs, which is beginning to affect their work and personal life
• There is a noticeable difference in their ability to think clearly and articulate their thoughts in a cohesive manner
• Their sleep and eating patterns (i.e. over or under eating) have noticeably changed, resulting in the individual seeming tired and irritable
• They may be experiencing strange or grandiose ideas, delusions, or hallucinations, which may include thinking or talking about suicide