In Canada, men account for roughly three quarters of suicide deaths and is the second leading cause of death among men under 50 years of age.
In the wake of Stephen ‘tWtich’ Boss’s death by suicide, men’s mental health and access to support for men and boys has been in the spotlight.
In Canada, men account for roughly three quarters of suicide deaths and is the second leading cause of death among men under 50 years of age.
A recent study out of the University of British Columbia of men over 18 and living and working in Canada, found nearly half of respondents were “above the threshold for probable major depression,” and a third reported experiencing “thoughts of suicide or self-harm at least a few times a week.”
Partly due to societal pressures to “man up” or “act like a man,” and partly due to a focus on historically underprivileged and under resourced groups, mental health services for men has become less accessible.
The problem is quite apparent in Ottawa as well, according to Nicholas Beaudin, executive director of the Canadian Centre for Men and Families.
“Here in Ottawa, for example, we did see during the last two years that there have been increased incidences of not only men struggling with their mental health, but children as well,” said Beaudin on The Sam Laprade Show. “There’s not quite the support we all think there is. Men’s mental health, specifically, especially in Canada, is quite different than what we see typically in the rest of the world.”
However, Beaudin said the resources are out there for those looking for them.
“My advice is reach out,” said Beaudin. “We as individuals need to create an environment that is inclusive for everyone, so that when they are struggling, and they’re dealing with their mental health, they aren’t feeling alone. So, once when we recommend that they need to get help, we’re able to actually provide it.”
For those looking for resources, Beaudin said the following organizations can be helpful for many.
Listen to the full interview with Nicholas Beaudin on The Sam Laprade Show below.
