A national survey has found that almost one quarter of Canadian men surveyed have considered or attempted suicide, and almost half of them have a close male family member or friend diagnosed or treated for depression. The study, by the University of British Columbia’s Men’s Depression and Suicide Network, found low levels of stigma toward others who experience mental health difficulties, but that many men hold negative attitudes about having a mental illness themselves. The survey sampled 901 English-speaking Canadian adults aged 18 to 83.
“These findings show us that a lot of guys hang onto paralyzing negative attitudes about being depressed themselves,” said the network’s co-director Dr. John Ogrodniczuk. “This points to the need for more interventions and programs to help men overcome the difficulty they experience in getting help from a health-care professional.”
Almost one quarter of Canadian men surveyed have considered or attempted suicide. 57 per cent of those indicated that they would feel embarrassed about seeking professional help for depression.
Among those surveyed who have personally experienced depression or suicidal thoughts, 57 per cent indicated that they would feel embarrassed about seeking professional help for depression. Over two-thirds of respondents who have personally experienced depression or suicidal thoughts also agreed with the statement that “I should be able to pull myself together.”
Key Findings
- 23 per cent of Canadian men surveyed have been diagnosed or treated for depression.
- 23 per cent of Canadian men have considered or attempted suicide.
- 26 per cent of Canadian adults surveyed have a close male family member or friend who has discussed or attempted suicide in the past 10 years.
- 46 per cent of Canadian adults surveyed have a close male family member or friend who has been diagnosed or treated for depression in the past 10 years.
About the study
These are the findings of a survey conducted by Intensions Consulting between August 29 and September 11, 2014 on behalf of the Men’s Depression and Suicide Network. The sample was stratified and weightings were employed to balance demographics, ensure that the sample’s composition reflects that of the Canadian population according to Census data and to provide results intended to approximate the sample universe.
Publications
Two recent open access articles have been published that analyze this survey data. Please see Stigma in Male Depression and Suicide: A Canadian Sex Comparison Study and Men’s depression and suicide literacy: a nationally representative Canadian survey.
