Mental health disorders affect more than 6.7 million Canadians. It’s a serious issue that’s only being made worse during these uncertain times. Stress, anxiety and depression are at an all-time high and the pandemic has made how we cope even harder. We don’t have our usual outlets like socializing with family and friends or going to the gym, which makes talking about mental health more important than ever.

Mental health affects both men and women equally, but men and women vary when it comes to asking for help. There is a stigma that seeking support for a mental health issue is seen as “weak.” As a result of masculine stereotypes, men are less likely to talk to people about their mental health. Instead, they suffer in silence or turn to harmful coping strategies. Discussion about mental health lets people know they are not alone. It isn’t weak to need support. It actually takes far more courage to step outside of your comfort zone and show vulnerability. As a society, we still have a lot of work to do to break the stigmas surrounding mental health, which is why this year’s theme for Men’s Health Month is “Move for Your Mental Health.”

Men’s Health Month is a month-long campaign built off of Men’s Health Week, which runs from June 11 – 17. The Canadian Men’s Health Foundation is hosting a series of virtual events encouraging men to get active, focusing on mental health and well-being. This year’s event includes virtual fitness classes and various speakers from different backgrounds, such as Olympians, psychologists, radio and tv personalities, fitness coaches and more. Registration is free or by donation, with all funds raised supporting men’s mental health programs and online services. Register directly on their website to take part in this year’s events. We have also included a list of men’s health and mental health resources below.

Men’s Health Resources

Canadian Men’s Health Foundation is a non-profit that provides information, tools and resources for men encouraging them to live healthier more active lives.

https://menshealthfoundation.ca/

Don’t Change Much provides health tips for men from getting more active to having a healthier diet, sleeping better, reducing stress and quitting unhealthy habits.

https://dontchangemuch.ca/

Health Link BC provides non-emergency health information. You can find information on different health topics, resources and health services.

https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/

Quit Smoking free resources are available on the government of Canada’s website. They vary by province, but each one has counsellors that can help develop a quit smoking plan, answer questions and suggest referrals. There are also a number of apps to help quit smoking, like Smoke Free, that tracks your progress and provides encouragement.

https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/smoking-tobacco/quit-smoking/provincial-territorial-services.html

https://smokefreeapp.com/

Canada’s Food Guide provides information on the recommended dietary guidelines, plus tips, recipes and resources on how to have a healthy diet.

https://food-guide.canada.ca/en/

Canadian Physical Activity Guideline provides an idea of what a healthy 24 hours looks like for Canadians. They focus on movement, reducing sedentary time and sleeping well.

https://csepguidelines.ca/adults-18-64/

Mental Health Resources

Canada Suicide Prevention Service at 1-833-456-4566 (24/7)

Mental Health Crisis Line 613-722-6914 or 1-866-996-0991

Crisis Center provides support for individuals, communities and organizations for crisis support, suicide prevention as well as a 24/7 phone line and online support.

https://crisiscentre.bc.ca/

Here to Help BC provides support to individuals with mental health and substance abuse issues. They also have resources for family and friends to learn how to support an individual with mental health issues.

https://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/

BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services provide treatment for people living in British Columbia with severe mental health and substance abuse issues.

http://www.bcmhsus.ca/our-services

Heads Up Guys is based out of the University of British Columbia. They provide resources to men, their family and friends on fighting depression.

https://headsupguys.org/

Bounce Back BC is a free program for people aged 15+ to help manage mood, stress, anxiety, depression and worry.

https://bouncebackbc.ca/#gf_3

The Center for Addiction and Mental Health is the largest mental health teaching hospital in Canada. They have programs, services, education and resources for mental health.

https://www.camh.ca/

Anxiety Canada develops free online resources for managing anxiety. They also have services and programs, like their Finding Help directory and My Anxiety Plans.

https://www.anxietycanada.com/

Wellness Together Canada has a number of resources ranging from managing substance abuse to stress, mood, worry and strengthening relationships. They provide wellness information, counselling, exercises and community support.

https://wellnesstogether.ca/en-CA/about

*** Disclaimer: The content on this website (Thrive Remedies) is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. It is not intended or suitable in place of advice from your health care practitioner or licensed physician. The information and products on this website should not be used for diagnosing, treating, curing or preventing a health problem, you should always consult a health care provider or licensed physician for advice. ***

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