June marks Men’s Mental Health Month, spotlighting a troubling reality in Canada: suicide remains the second-leading cause of death among men under 50. Despite growing awareness, younger Canadian men continue to face high risks of suicide and depression, underscoring the urgent need for targeted mental health support.
HeadsUpGuys, a University of British Columbia program led by Dr. John Ogrodniczuk, highlights that 75% of suicides reported in Canada, the U.S., and the U.K. involve men. Yet, male-specific mental health interventions are still under-researched and underutilized.
To address this, HeadsUpGuys launched the Step Up For Him campaign in early June, encouraging people to engage in physical activities—walks, runs, or rides—to show support for men who may be silently struggling. The campaign is built on the insight that many men hesitate to ask for help but are willing to step up for others.
Joe Rachert, community engagement lead at HeadsUpGuys, emphasizes that while awareness has improved, changing deep-rooted cultural norms around masculinity takes time. He recalls that mental health was rarely discussed when he was younger, contrasting sharply with today’s growing dialogue.
Social media plays a dual role: it raises awareness through high-profile tragedies like those of Anthony Bourdain and Robin Williams but can also promote harmful masculine stereotypes, as seen with influencers like the Tate brothers. Rachert warns that social media addiction and misinformation can exacerbate loneliness and mental health struggles, especially when online connections replace real human interaction.
Looking ahead, Rachert envisions a future where suicide no longer ranks among the top causes of death. Achieving this requires ongoing advocacy, education, and building supportive communities where men feel safe to express emotions and seek help.
Personal experiences fuel this mission. Rachert shares the painful loss of a close friend to suicide, a tragedy he now understands could have been prevented with greater awareness of warning signs.
For those seeking help, HeadsUpGuys offers a therapist directory across North America, aiming to connect men with the support they need. The Step Up For Him campaign continues to inspire action and hope, reminding everyone that small steps can save lives.
