Men’s Mental Health: Conversations Across Age Groups
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How men manage their mental health, whom they trust and what can make support difficult to reach before a crisis
Many men are actively managing their mental health. But for some, managing it means doing much of that work on their own.
In conversations with men across age groups, participants described how they cope, whom they trust and what can make support difficult to reach. Their experiences show how self-reliance, concerns about burdening others and barriers to care can shape whether and when men seek help. Many were actively taking care of their mental health through exercise, time outdoors, routines, hobbies and other personal strategies. But self-management could also mean coping privately. Some participants avoided discussing their struggles because they did not want to burden people close to them, while others described long waits, uncertainty and limited services when they did look for help.
This qualitative research adds lived experience and individual perspectives to what national data already tell us about men’s mental health.
Key findings
Many men are managing their mental health on their own.
Most participants considered their mental health important and had developed personal strategies to support their well-being. Older participants often described structured routines, while younger participants more often mentioned hobbies, pets, social activities and staying busy.Concern about burdening others can limit conversation.
Very few participants said they were comfortable discussing mental health challenges with close family. Friends and peers could play an important role, but many participants still preferred to cope privately.Attitudes are changing, but access remains uneven.
Younger participants were generally more open to conversations about mental health and more likely to question expectations of emotional restraint and self-reliance. They also more often described school-based support as accessible, while older participants more frequently emphasized independence.Support should be easier to reach before crisis.
Participants described long waits, uncertainty and limited services. Some found it easier to get support once their needs had become acute than earlier, before reaching crisis.
Why this matters
Men should not have to reach a crisis before support becomes easier to access.
The findings point to the need for support that recognizes how men already cope, creates opportunities for connection and becomes easier to reach before challenges become acute. Trusted people, positive role models and support designed around major life transitions can all play a role.
Health Canada
About the research
The findings are based on 28 interviews with men in Canada who were aware of and paid attention to their mental health, including participants who had received a mental health diagnosis, sought help, believed they should seek help or reported high self-rated anxiety or depression. Interviews were conducted between April and June 2026 by Pollara Strategic Insights.
