June is Men’s Mental Health Month, a time to shine a light on a silent crisis affecting millions of men across Canada. While strength, resilience, and stoicism have long been associated with masculinity, these same traits—when misunderstood—can lead to devastating outcomes when men feel they must suffer in silence.

The truth is: many men are hurting. And many don’t know where to turn.

The Silent Struggle

Every day, men across Ontario and Canada face immense pressure—expected to provide, protect, and persevere, often without ever being asked: “How are you holding up?”

Too many feel that acknowledging pain is a sign of weakness. But in reality, the refusal to speak up and seek help is costing lives.

According to the Canadian Mental Health Association and Statistics Canada:

• 75% of suicides in Canada are men.
• Suicide is the second leading cause of death for men under 50.
• Men are less likely than women to reach out for mental health support, even when experiencing anxiety, depression, or trauma.

This isn’t because men don’t feel. It’s because many have been taught that feeling—and expressing it—isn’t part of being a man.

A New Definition of Strength

Strength is not silence. Strength is vulnerability.

It’s having the courage to say, “I’m not okay.”

It’s checking in on a friend. It’s calling for help.

It’s knowing that mental health is just as important as physical health.

In communities like those supported by the Oaks Revitalization Association (ORA) and across the skilled trades, this conversation is especially urgent. Tradespeople build our cities and shape our skylines—but many are quietly battling stress, burnout, addiction, or loneliness.

The nature of construction and skilled trades can be isolating. Long hours, physical strain, job insecurity, and the pressure to perform—combined with traditional masculine expectations—can all contribute to a mental health crisis that goes unspoken.

But this is also a community of incredible resilience and brotherhood—and it’s here that we can spark a powerful movement of change.

You’re Not Alone — Resources for Men in Ontario

No man should ever feel like there’s no one to talk to. Whether you’re struggling with depression, going through a divorce, facing work stress, or just not feeling like yourself—there is help. Here are just a few resources available across Ontario and online:

Crisis Support

• 9-8-8 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 9-8-8 — 24/7, free and confidential.
• 211 Ontario: Connects you to local mental health and community services.

Therapy & Peer Support

• Men Therapy Toronto: Male-focused counselling and group sessions.
• First Step Men’s Therapy: Online and in-person therapy across Ontario.
• The Men’s Project (Ottawa): Specialized programs for trauma recovery and emotional support.
• Canadian Centre for Men and Families: Offers peer support, legal aid, and fatherhood programs.

Online Tools

• HeadsUpGuys: Self-check tools, recovery stories, and actionable mental health advice for men.
• MindFit Toolkit (Canadian Men’s Health Foundation): A great starting point for managing stress, anxiety, and mood online.
• Movember Conversations: Learn how to check in with a friend using their “ALEC” framework (Ask, Listen, Encourage Action, Check In).

A Message to All Men: You Matter

You are not broken.

You are not weak.

You are not alone.

You are human.

This Men’s Mental Health Month, let’s stop asking men to “man up”—and start creating spaces where they can open up. Let’s replace silence with support, stigma with understanding, and isolation with connection.

Because every man deserves to be heard, healed, and hopeful.

Need Help Now?

📞 9-8-8 (Call or Text Anytime)

💬 211 Ontario – Connect to local services

🌐 Visit: www.headsupguys.org | www.mindfit.ca