Men’s Mental Health Month: Buddy Up, Reach Out, and Stay Connected

June is Men’s Mental Health Month, an important opportunity to talk openly about the mental health and well-being of men and boys, and to challenge the stigma that can make it difficult to ask for help.

For many men, mental health struggles do not always look the way people expect. Stress, depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, loneliness, or thoughts of suicide may show up as withdrawal, irritability, anger, exhaustion, increased substance use, or simply “not seeming like himself.” These changes are worth noticing. Statistics Canada reported in 2022 that males in Canada were almost three times more likely to die by suicide than females, and the Mental Health Commission of Canada has noted that close to 75% of suicide deaths in Canada are men.

That reality is painful, but we know that connection can help. And men do not need to have all the answers for one another; sometimes the most important first step is simply paying attention, reaching out, and making space for an honest conversation.

That is the heart of the Buddy Up Campaign.

Buddy Up is a men’s suicide prevention campaign created by the Centre for Suicide Prevention. Built “for men by men,” the campaign encourages men to have real conversations with their buddies and support friends who may be struggling with thoughts of suicide. Through its practical tools, Buddy Up reminds us that helping a friend starts with noticing changes, starting a conversation, listening without judgment, and remembering that you are a friend, not a counsellor.

A Buddy Up conversation does not have to be formal or perfect. It can happen during a walk, in the truck, at the gym, while fishing, over coffee, during a game, or while working on a project together. What matters is creating a moment where someone feels safe enough to be honest.

You might start with something simple: “I’ve noticed you haven’t seemed like yourself lately. How are you really doing?” “I haven’t heard from you as much these days. Want to grab a coffee?” and, when you are worried about someone’s safety, it is okay to be direct and compassionate: “Are you thinking about suicide?” Asking the question does not put the idea in someone’s head, it opens the door to support.

Buddy Up encourages friends to stay connected, seek additional support, and call or text 9-8-8 together when suicide support is needed.

At CMHA-NL, we believe mental wellness grows through connection, belonging, and access to support without shame. This Men’s Mental Health Month, we encourage men across Newfoundland and Labrador to check in with one another, make time for honest conversations, and remind the men in their lives that they do not have to carry things alone.

Supporting men’s mental health is not about having the perfect words. It is about showing up. It is about listening. It is about staying connected.

This June, Buddy Up. Because one conversation can make a difference.

Support is available: If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8 anytime in Canada for free, confidential support in English or French.

To learn more about the Buddy Up Campaign click the button below for resources, tools, and ideas to help support the men in your life.