Men should be provided with comfortability to discuss their mental health. However, it’s common for men to experience several barriers when expressing their mental health to family, friends, community, and work environment. Generally, men report lower levels of stress and depression; contrastingly, suicide rates amongst men are four times higher than women. In Canada, suicide rates are elevated among rural men when compared to their urban counterparts and to rural women. Further research proved that Canadian men harbour more stigmatized perspectives about male depression than women, are less likely to seek support, and often express mental distress differently than women. The prevalent “silent crisis” in men’s mental health has been linked to practices, values, and societal beliefs of masculinity.
To address and improve this problem, this article discusses men’s mental health resources in Brandon and the services/programs they offer.
The Men’s Resource Centre (MRC) is located on 153 8th St, Brandon, MB, at the back entrance of the John Howard Society Building. The MRC offers a haven of safety and support for men and their families, facilitating access to a wealth of resources and information. The centre is dedicated to delivering a comprehensive array of programs, services, and personalized support tailored to address the multifaceted issues impacting men and their families. The MRC is available either by appointment or by drop-in. Programs include Anger Management, Building Healthy Relationships, and the new Crossroads Programs, focused on encouraging the growth of positive life skills. The Men’s Resource Centre provides access to numerous services, personalized one-on-one support, assistance with protection orders, third party reporting, and guidance with pardons and record suspensions. Drop-in workshops include information sessions about legal issues, health and wellness, as well as creative workshops for art and music. Upcoming events include a free group boxing lesson at Peak Performance, support groups, free haircuts, and more.
Movember is a men’s mental health charity acknowledging the challenges men face when discussing mental health. Their focus is on dismantling the stigmas attached to suicide prevention, prostate cancer, testicular cancer and more. The month-long movement, which just ended on November 30th, emphasizes the importance of men’s mental health research and the importance of health services that reach and provide support for men. Movember is currently funding upwards of 1,250 health projects, globally uniting experts worldwide to collaborate on projects. The charity concentrates on funding research for the three biggest health issues facing men: mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer.
The Canadian Men’s Health Foundation, as a nationally registered charity, is committed to offering knowledge, resources and support to men and their families in their pursuit of healthier living. Unfortunately, Canadian men are facing a distressing trend of death by chronic illness. Remarkably, a staggering 70% of men's health issues can be preemptively addressed through the adoption of healthier habits. Walks, jogs, swimming, biking or routine tasks like lawn mowing any physical activity significantly contribute to the enhancement of both physical and mental wellbeing. Make healthier food choices with simple dietitian recommendations, healthy meal ideas, and cost-saving tips with “Guy’s Guide to Eating Healthy”, or listen to the informative “Guy’s Guide to Eating Healthy” podcast.
The Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba (MDAM) cultivates profound relationships and establishes an environment where men can express themselves and share their experiences openly. They offer a broad array of mental health and wellness opportunities, ranging from workshops to peer support and one-on-one engagements. MDAM aims to enable an environment where dialogue about life’s challenges enables comfortability and support men prioritizing their own health. The men’s online peer support group occurs every Wednesday 6:30pm-7:30pm. One-on-one support can be booked online, or in person out of Winnipeg. MDAM provides other information on their website about men’s mental health issues, including eating disorders, erectile dysfunction in men with depression, andropause, and how to stay mentally fit.
We all have a role to play in men’s mental health prevention. Family, friends, partners, and colleagues, it is our responsibility to help these statistics decline, and encourage healthy change for men. Make healthy choices, get screened, sustain a healthy diet, exercise, and check in with friends. Asking, listening, and being supportive of your friends can be lifesaving. If you need a hand in having a conversation with someone who’s struggling, there are several guides online. Ask the question, listen without judgement or distractions, encourage action and check in. Let’s all take part in reversing the stigma around men’s mental health and prioritize the enrichment of personal growth.