June is men's mental health month and the conversation around mental health in men seems to grow every year. (File Photo/paNOW Staff)

By Rob Mahon

Men's Mental Health

Future looking brighter during men’s mental health month

Jun 8, 2022 | 12:00 PM

Mental health is an ongoing topic of conversation and concern, and this month the conversation focuses more specifically on men.

June is men’s mental health month, and looking after that can come with some unique challenges.

“I think the biggest one is that sense of isolation that we create for ourselves when we won’t ask for help and we don’t look outside of ourselves for support,” said Doug Kinar, executive director of the Canadian Mental Health Association’s branch in Prince Albert.

Historically, men have often been more likely to die by suicide than women. In fact, according to the Centre for Suicide Prevention, almost as many men die by suicide as die from prostate cancer in Canada every year. The good news is, men are slowly starting to become more open about it.

“The change is coming slowly,” Kinar said. “It’s a generational change. People who are in their 60s and older don’t tend to talk about it as much. As you go younger, they’re a little more vocal because it’s a little more acceptable. The change is coming slow but sure.”

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For those who may have a man in their life dealing with mental health issues, Kinar said the most important thing is to let them know you’re there for them. It makes it easier to open up about issues that men have traditionally been more likely to keep to themselves.

“There’s a fine line between coping skills and resiliency and being in over your head,” Kinar said. “The more we develop those coping skills and resiliency, the stronger we are, the more independent we are, and the more capable we are of dealing with daily issues. However, that whole coping skill and resiliency can become ‘big boys don’t cry’ and you’re expected to suck it up, toughen up, and move forward.”

With the younger generation more open to talking, however, and public figures becoming more likely to open up about their struggles, Kinar has a great deal of hope for the future.

“The future is looking brighter every day, simply because more and more people are talking about it,” Kinar said. “The pandemic has really focussed and highlighted the need for positive mental health and coping mechanisms.”

Kinar added that by taking away many of the supports and coping mechanisms people had developed, the pandemic showed people just how important those things were to their mental health and forced many people to take a hard look at their mental health.

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rob.mahon@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @RobMahonPxP