Men's Mental Health Week Canada

I think most of us are familiar with the concerning statistics around men's mental health, but just in case, here are a few:

• 1 in 8 Canadian men will experience major depression in their lifetime.

• Only 1 in 3 men in Canada will seek professional help for mental health in their lifetime.

• Suicide is the leading cause of death for Canadian men aged 20–49, ahead of cancer, heart disease, and accidents.

Every year during Men's Mental Health Week, I get asked the same question: "What should we be doing for men's mental health?"

My honest answer? We need to start at the baseline, and in my opinion, the baseline is equipping everyone to confidently have conversations about mental health, stress and struggle.

Too many organizations default to sticking with morning or safety shares around mental health, pointing people toward their Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or workplace benefits, or sharing crisis resources.

Those things matter. But they're reactive. What's missing is the space for coworkers who feel equipped and comfortable enough to check in, speak up, and show up for each other.

Even the most well-intentioned mental health initiatives often land with employees as "just another thing to sit through." Real change happens when it comes from within the team.

Think the men in your workplace don't want to talk about mental health? I'd challenge that assumption.

I've trained hundreds of rooms full of people in traditionally male industries. Those conversations are some of the most powerful I've witnessed. The willingness is there. They just need a space where it's okay to have them.

We teach people how to have important mental health conversations in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA).

The MHFA program is designed for everyone. As a globally recognized training, it empowers people to recognize when someone may be experiencing mental health challenges and equips them with practical skills to provide initial support. This course builds confidence to respond calmly and offer meaningful help during tough moments, all without needing to be a mental health expert.

Give people the language and the skills and watch what happens.

Did you know that the Mental Health First Aid Program was completely revised and updated in Canada at the end of 2025?

There are now 2 training options:

1. Mental Health First Aid Essentials (1 Day)

2. Mental Health First Aid Certification (2 Day)

Both options can be delivered in person or virtually.

Ready to plan training for your workplace? Start here to request more information.

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Hi, I'm Alison.

Workplace mental health and burnout prevention champion.  We deliver comprehensive consulting and training services including:

• Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)

• Mental health and psychological safety workplace audits

• Resilience training

• Burnout prevention training and

• Fractional Chief Wellness Officer (CWO) services 

Learn more about how we build healthier workplaces build healthier workplaces or connect with me on  LinkedIn.