Unmasking Men’s Mental Health: Breaking the Silence During Men’s Mental Health Week

Jun 3, 2025

June 9–16 is Men’s Mental Health Week, a national opportunity to talk openly about a silent crisis affecting millions of men across the country.

For generations, men have been taught to “tough it out,” suppress their emotions, and hide their struggles. These outdated norms continue to fuel a culture where too many men suffer in silence, wearing masks to conceal how they’re really feeling.

Cultural expectations, stigma, and toxic masculinity often prevent men from opening up about mental health or reaching out for help. Left unspoken, these pressures can lead to serious outcomes: isolation, depression, substance use, risk-taking behaviours, anger—and far too often, suicide.

The Alarming Reality

Mental health challenges don’t discriminate. But when it comes to how they affect men, the numbers are staggering:

• Men die by suicide at a rate three times higher than women
• Nearly 75% of suicide deaths in Canada—roughly 4,000 each year—are men
• Men are significantly less likely to seek help or attend therapy

These aren’t just statistics—they’re fathers, brothers, sons, partners, and friends, lost to silence and shame. Men’s Mental Health Week reminds us of the urgency to break that silence.

Changing the Narrative: One Story at a Time

To shift the culture, organizations like MenTELL.ca are building safe, supportive communities where men can speak freely, share their experiences, and support one another.

“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’re listeners. We encourage men to speak up, reach out, and find their circle of trust, because those people are out there.”

“During Men’s Mental Health Week, we invite men to tag or collaborate with us @MenTELL.ca on social media by sharing something they do for their mental health—something that helps them stay grounded.”

— Zak Hussein, Founder of MenTELL.ca

Through storytelling and connection, MenTELL and similar initiatives are redefining strength—not as stoicism, but as the courage to be vulnerable and honest.

How You Can Support Men’s Mental Health

During Men’s Mental Health Week (June 9–16, 2025) and beyond, here’s how we can all help shift the conversation and support men in meaningful ways:

• Start the conversation: Ask the men in your life how they’re really doing—then listen without judgment.
• Normalize support: Encourage seeking professional help just like you would for physical health.
• Share resources: Point to communities and tools where men can find connection.
• Challenge outdated norms: Help redefine masculinity to include empathy, openness, and healing.

Local Resources and Support

At CMHA Calgary, we are committed to helping men access the support they need—free of judgment and full of hope. If you or someone you know is struggling, these tools can help:

• Buddy Up Campaign: A men’s suicide prevention movement built by and for men
• BounceBack®: Free CBT-based mental health coaching for stress, anxiety, or low mood
• 988 Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 9-8-8, 24/7, for immediate, confidential support
• CMHA Calgary: Explore local peer support, community programs, and wellness resources

Let’s use Men’s Mental Health Week to break down barriers, unmask the silence, and remind every man that he is never alone.

Because real strength starts with real conversation.