The mental health of young men in Canada has deteriorated significantly over the past decade, with experts warning that growing social isolation, online influences, gambling and difficulties around identity and belonging could make the situation worse. Federal data shows a clear decline in the mental well-being of young men. Among males aged 15 to 24, the proportion reporting a mood disorder increased from 11 per cent in 2012 to 16 per cent in 2022. During the same period, the percentage reporting generalized anxiety disorder rose from 4 per cent to 10 per cent. The number of young men describing their mental health as “very good” or “excellent” also fell sharply, from 70 per cent in 2012 to just 52 per cent in 2022. Experts say the figures point to a broader problem that goes beyond individual mental-health conditions and involves social connections, education, employment, relationships and the way young men seek help.
Suicide remains another major concern. Men in Canada are about three times more likely than women to die by suicide, while suicide is the second-leading cause of death among boys and young men aged 15 to 34, after unintentional injuries. Federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel has described the situation as a widespread problem affecting boys and men across the country. She has also said many men struggle to recognize when they need help or find it difficult to express what they are experiencing. One of the factors increasingly being examined by researchers is the role of social media and online communities. Experts say young men who feel isolated or uncertain about their place in society can spend significant amounts of time online, where they may encounter communities that promote extreme views about masculinity, relationships, money and personal success.
John Oliffe, Canada Research Chair in Men’s Health Promotion at the University of British Columbia, has warned that parts of the online “manosphere” can be particularly influential among vulnerable young men. He says the social isolation experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic intensified the problem by cutting many young people off from friends, activities and other forms of social connection.
Young men are also facing growing exposure to online gambling. Canada legalized single-event sports betting in 2021, and experts say the rapid expansion of online betting platforms has created another potential source of financial and psychological distress. Recent research from the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences found that emergency-room visits related to gambling disorders have doubled since 2022. Young men have been disproportionately represented among people arriving at emergency departments in severe psychological distress following gambling losses, including cases involving suicidal thoughts and psychosis. Experts say another challenge is that many young men continue to believe they are expected to remain strong and deal with emotional difficulties on their own. This can discourage them from seeking professional support until their problems have reached a crisis point. For some young men, the pressure is also connected to changing expectations around education, employment, relationships and family life. Researchers say declining participation in post-secondary education among men, difficulties in some traditionally male-dominated industries and uncertainty about future economic opportunities can contribute to feelings of isolation and a lack of purpose. The shortage of positive male role models is another issue being discussed. Robert Whitley, a men’s health expert and professor of psychiatry at McGill University, has argued that many young men are reaching adulthood without strong male mentors in their lives. He says the problem should be viewed not simply as a crisis of masculinity, but also as a crisis of mentorship and social connection. Statistics Canada data shows that men make up only about one-quarter of teachers across Canada’s elementary and secondary school systems. Organizations that provide mentorship to young people can also have a much higher proportion of female volunteers, potentially leaving some boys with fewer opportunities to develop relationships with positive male role models. The federal government is now working on Canada’s first national mental-health strategy specifically focused on boys and men. The strategy is expected to include measures involving mentorship, peer support, sports and recreation, healthy relationships, positive social norms and safer online environments. Experts say early intervention will be particularly important. Rather than waiting until young men reach a mental-health crisis, support should be available through schools, workplaces, sports organizations, community groups and online services. For young men who have already experienced serious mental-health struggles, seeking support has proved important in recovery. Advocates say creating environments where boys and men can talk openly about depression, anxiety, loneliness and fear without feeling ashamed could help prevent problems from becoming more severe.The growing concern among researchers and health officials is that the decline in young men’s mental health could continue if underlying issues such as isolation, lack of mentorship, harmful online influences, gambling and barriers to seeking help are not addressed. With the federal government preparing a national strategy, experts say the coming years will be critical in determining how Canada responds to the growing mental-health challenges facing boys and young men.