06/24/2026
June is Men's Health Month — a time dedicated to raising awareness, promoting prevention, and improving the health and well-being of men and boys. It's an important reminder to men of every age and background that their health matters.
Research suggests that men tend to focus less on their health and well-being than women — seeing their doctors less frequently and often putting off physical and mental health needs. In fact, statistics show that men are significantly less likely to seek help for mental health challenges — yet the need is just as real.
According to Alberta Men's Network, 1 in 3 men would not seek support due to traditional masculinity and societal norms. Men are often taught to push through, stay strong, and keep it together — but carrying everything alone takes a toll. In fact, 75% of su***des in Canada are males, yet only 30% seek mental health help.
The 2026 theme is "Partners in Care: For Better Lifespans Across the Lifespan," which highlights the role that families, communities, and care partners play in supporting healthier outcomes for men.
Here's how we, as partners in care and as friends or family members can help support the men in our lives:
🔷 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗸𝗲𝘆: build consistent connections and check in with them regularly
🔷 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗼𝘂𝘁: they are less likely to reach out first. Start the conversation in a comfortable setting doing an activity together side-by-side rather than face-to-face
🔷 𝗔𝘀𝗸: "How are you actually doing" this may break the automatic response of "I'm fine", then pause and allow them the time to process and respond
🔷 𝗗𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲: let them know you are there for them, this allows the door to be open for them to reach out on their terms
🔷 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲/𝗡𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗲: validate and normalize their feelings and experiences but try not to minimize how they feel
🔷 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻: try to avoid advice giving or problem-solving unless they ask, listening can be a powerful way to hold space and it may be just what they need
🔷 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝘁 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘀: instead of saying "let's hangout sometime", say "let's go for lunch next Saturday" the former is vague and they may not reach out
🔷 𝗘𝗻𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽: help them connect to resources if they need it, remind them to attend doctors' appointments and offer to attend with them if they are anxious to go alone
🔷 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝘀: such as withdrawal, increased substance use, expressing feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness, increased irritability or anger outbursts, talking about su***de or death
This month, we're encouraging every man in our lives to check in with themselves, both physically and mentally — and to know that reaching out is not a sign of weakness. It's one of the most courageous things you can do.
💙 If you or someone you love could use some support, we're here to help.
Here are some helpful resources specifically for men:
https://mentell.ca/
https://www.buddyup.ca/
https://headsupguys.org/
https://menshealthfoundation.ca/mindfit-toolkit/
https://dadcentral.ca/
https://www.nextgenmen.ca/
https://www.albertamen.com/
