Common Mental Health Conditions

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Men's Mental Health Conditions

Men in the WHO European Region are living healthier and longer lives than before. However, men’s life expectancy varies between countries by up to 17 years, and within-country differences between men from different socioeconomic backgrounds remain large.

The higher risk for premature mortality for men compared to women and the large differences among men are almost considered natural phenomena. We know that biology alone cannot explain health differences and inequities. Just as for women, men’s behaviours, exposure to risk, health-seeking patterns, and the responses they receive from the system, are influenced by many factors. Growing evidence on the effectiveness of gender-responsive approaches to men’s health, and the positive health impact of gender equality policy on men, need to be considered to improve the health of men and women.

Of all male deaths, 86% can be attributed to noncommunicable diseases and injuries. The main disease-related killers are cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes and respiratory diseases. Injuries are the second leading cause of premature death among men and the main cause of death for boys aged 5–19 in the Region. Compared to women, men go less frequently to the doctor’s and consistently report less unmet health-care needs. Men across socioeconomic groups demonstrate unhealthier smoking practices, unhealthier dietary patterns, higher alcohol consumption levels and higher rates of injuries and interpersonal violence than women. Men’s risk-taking behaviours and under-use of services are consistent across many countries and are linked to socioeconomic factors as well as to norms around masculinities and hegemonic ideals.

Improving the health and well-being of men and that of women are complementary objectives that are best addressed within a gender equality framework. Engaging men and facilitating their participation in paid and unpaid care, prevention of violence against women and sharing responsibility for reproductive health are key interventions needed to achieve global goals on gender equality and to accelerate progress in achieving health goals.

Join the conversation

Your voice is important.

Complete the questionnaire by June 1, 2026.

Organizations and experts are encouraged to submit written briefs responding to the following questions:

1. How can we support boys and men in understanding and dealing with traditional ideas about masculinity in healthy ways, including:
   1. overcoming stigma?
   2. feeling comfortable asking for help?
2. How do we help men build healthy relationships and adopt healthy habits that improve their overall well-being?
   1. What role do male role models, mentors and community leaders play in shaping healthier norms?
   2. How can we amplify positive examples of masculinity?
3. How do we help men seek out the care they need:
   1. to support their mental health and well-being?
   2. for any challenges with substance use or addiction?
4. How do different life stages shape men's well-being? For example, adolescence, early adulthood, fatherhood, midlife and retirement.
   1. Where are the biggest transition points where support is most needed?

Written briefs requirements:

• Use 12-point Arial font.
• Up to 1,000 words total over a maximum of 2 pages.

All text contained in the body of the submission counts towards the page and word limit. This includes items like graphs, quotes, images and footnotes.

Email your submission to us by June 1, 2026, at 11:59PM PST.

Email: menshealth-santemasculine@hc-sc.gc.ca

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