Men’s mental health: Reaching men earlier through support they trust
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Why asking for help is only part of the story.
Men's mental health is often framed around reluctance to seek support. But MHRC's conversations with men across age groups show that many manage distress through routines, activities and trusted relationships, often privately. Recent research also reveals significant gaps in how support reaches men. A new Movember report, developed in collaboration with MHRC and CAMH, includes MHRC polling estimating that 1.3 million men over 16 in Canada have unmet mental health support needs. Among those who sought care, 54% reported barriers to receiving effective support in Movember's survey.
In this episode of The Better Mental Health Briefing, presented in partnership with Movember Canada, we bring together perspectives from research, clinical practice and community engagement to explore how men recognize mental health challenges, what makes seeking support difficult and how trusted relationships and more responsive services can help reach them earlier. Drawing on findings from MHRC, Movember and GreenShield, the discussion also examines opportunities to turn research into better services and public policy. In a separate conversation, MP Matt Jeneroux shares insights from his work with the Hi Dad Foundation and efforts to bring men's mental health into public discussion.
Expert Voices
Sheldon Mellis
Mental Health Research Canada
Sheldon Mellis has extensive experience developing mental health research and programs in collaboration with diverse communities and people with lived and living experience. At the Mental Health Commission of Canada, he led a $10-million research investment examining cannabis use and mental health, alongside initiatives addressing stigma and equitable access to support.
Catherine Corriveau
Movember Canada
Catherine Corriveau is a public policy and advocacy leader focused on improving the health and well-being of men and boys. Her experience spans strategic communications, public policy and cross-sector partnerships, including previous roles with the Public Policy Forum and Democratic Engagement Exchange.
Dr. Khush Amaria
GreenShield Health
Dr. Khush Amaria is a clinical and health psychologist with more than 20 years of experience advancing mental health care. Her work focuses on improving access to evidence-based services through clinical innovation, digital mental health and workplace well-being initiatives..
Matt Jeneroux
Member of Parliament, Edmonton Riverbend
Matt Jeneroux is a longstanding advocate for men's mental health and the founder of the Hi Dad Foundation. He launched the annual Father's Day on the Hill initiative and co-founded the Canadian Mental Health Summit in 2024 to advance awareness, reduce stigma and encourage improvements in mental health policy.
What is The Better Mental Health Briefing?
The Better Mental Health Briefing is MHRC’s webcast series that puts mental health research into context. Each edition brings together researchers, experts and other informed voices to examine what the evidence tells us, what it may mean and how it could support better decisions for people in Canada. From time to time, the series may also feature initiatives, such as MHRC’s studentships, that help support and expand mental health research.
