Some men struggle with mental health more than others, say experts

A new study by CMHF found higher risk of depression and anxiety among young, and gay, bisexual, and racialized Canadian men

Blueprint and Canadian Men’s Health Foundation have teamed up for Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month this June to shine a spotlight on findings from a recent study on depression and anxiety.

According to the results of a study conducted this spring by Canadian Men’s Health Foundation (CMHF), some populations of men are experiencing more significant rates of depression and anxiety than others.

The study showed that men aged 19-29 suffer from moderate to severe depression at more than double the rate of the general population (43%, compared to 18%), and experience anxiety at a rate almost double that of all men (57%, compared to 30%).

Rates of depression and anxiety are also higher among gay and bisexual men, as well as men with racialized ancestry or background, such as African, Caribbean, South Asian, Chinese, Arab/West Asian, Southeast Asian, Filipino, Latin American, Korean, Japanese and Pacific Islander populations.

“These statistics cannot be ignored–anxiety and depression are affecting certain populations of men significantly more than others,” says Dr. David Kuhl, CEO of Blueprint and spokesperson for CMHF for June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month. “Calling attention to how pervasive mental health challenges are within these populations is the first step towards changing behaviours. Mental health doesn’t belong to the individual, it belongs to families and communities.”

Blueprint is working with CMHF to raise awareness of mental health issues among men and boys, and what Canadians can do to seek or provide support, all part of Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month in June.

Kuhl appeared on CTV News National on May 30, 2024 on behalf of Blueprint and CMHF to discuss the findings, and what men can do to begin to address mental health challenges and stigma. Watch the CTV clip.