“Ottawa is launching a groundbreaking national strategy to improve men’s and boys’ health across Canada.”

In 2024, nearly 75,000 Canadian men died prematurely, largely due to mental health issues, cancer, heart disease, and substance-related harm. Recent surveys commissioned by Movember reveal that more than half of men delayed seeking care for symptoms for over six days, and nearly one in ten waited more than two years before consulting a health professional.

The federal government says the new plan, set to roll out later this year, will address pressing health challenges that disproportionately affect men and adolescent boys, including mental health struggles, suicide, heart disease, cancer, and substance-related harm. Officials say the strategy is designed to reduce stigma, increase access to care, and provide boys and men with the tools they need to live healthier, longer lives.

Societal Stigmas Around Boys’ Mental Health

Experts agree that societal expectations often prevent teen boys from seeking help.

“There’s still a double standard when it comes to mental health for girls and boys,” says Ian Park, a licensed clinical social worker. “Girls are encouraged to talk about their feelings and taught that it’s okay to show emotions. Boys, on the other hand, are often socialized to be ‘tough,’ to ‘man up,’ and to hide vulnerability,” Park added.

Park notes the impact is significant: teen boys are far less likely than girls to open up about feeling depressed, anxious, or suicidal, and are even less likely to seek professional help. Many boys also struggle with mental health literacy, meaning they may not recognize or know how to describe their feelings.

Depression and anxiety can also present differently in boys than in girls. “While girls often turn inward, boys may act out through behaviour or words,” explains Robert Hinojosa, Licensed clinical social worker in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Depression may appear as anger, while anxiety can show as perfectionism, procrastination, or obsessive behaviour. Changes in behaviour, school performance, or social interactions may be the first signs that a teen boy needs support.

How Masculinity Messages Affect Boys

Research and clinical experience show that messages about masculinity can influence boys’ mental health from a young age. Boys often hear phrases like “man up” or are told that boys shouldn’t cry, linking emotional expression with weakness. Qualities such as sensitivity or softness are frequently labelled “feminine”, which can discourage boys from showing vulnerability.

These societal pressures can make it harder for boys to identify or express their feelings. According to Ian Park, boys may avoid talking about sadness, anxiety, or stress because they fear being judged or ridiculed. Over time, this can contribute to mental health challenges going unrecognized and untreated.

Children also learn by observing adults. The way parents, caregivers, or older siblings handle emotions can reinforce these ideas. If boys rarely see men around them expressing feelings or seeking help, they may internalize the belief that asking for support is a weakness, says Park.

Experts emphasize that creating safe spaces for boys to express themselves, without fear of judgment, can help them recognize emotions, seek help when needed, and develop healthier coping strategies.

Physical Health and Masculinity

Physical health is also affected by cultural expectations of masculinity. Men may delay check-ups, ignore symptoms, or avoid asking for help because it is seen as “weak” to be vulnerable. Heart disease, cancer, and substance-related harms remain leading causes of premature death, and early intervention can make a significant difference.

The national strategy aims to increase awareness, promote preventive care, and provide tailored programs that address both mental and physical health, with an emphasis on youth and adolescent boys.

Ottawa’s National Strategy

  • Officials say the upcoming plan will:
  • Promote awareness and education about men’s and boys’ health.
  • Address stigma and traditional masculinity norms that prevent boys from seeking help.
  • Expand access to healthcare services for men and youth.
  • Encourage early intervention, helping boys recognize and express their feelings.

The goal is to ensure boys and men across Canada have the tools and support they need to live healthier, longer lives, both physically and emotionally.

Getting Help

  • If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available:
  • Kids Help Phone – 1-800-668-6868 or kidshelpphone.ca – confidential support for youth 24/7.
  • Talk Suicide Canada – 1-833-456-4566 or talksuicide.ca – support for anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts.
  • Wellness Together Canada – wellnesstogether.ca – mental health and substance support.
  • Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) – cmha.ca – resources and community programs.

Remember: seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Boys and young men are not alone, and support is always available.