June is not only a time to celebrate Father's Day: it is also Men's Mental Health Awareness Month, and a time to shine a light on something that too often remains hidden.
While these two observances may seem separate, they are deeply connected. As we take time to honour fathers and father figures, we must also ask: how are the men really doing?
For generations, men have been told to "man up," stay tough, and be strong. The idea that "men do not cry" encourages them to bury their emotions. However, this mindset is hurting us. Mental illness does not care how strong you are; it does not care how confident, popular, or fun you may be. It affects real people: fathers, brothers, sons, and friends. In Canada, men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women: not because they suffer more, but because they are less likely to speak up or ask for help. Many turn to alcohol, drugs, or anger just to cope.
Mental health challenges do not discriminate based on gender. Conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and burnout can affect anyone, whether they are the family breadwinner or a stay-at-home dad. Mental health is a human issue, and it is time we treat it as such. Behind the mask of strength, some men — including the very fathers we celebrate — are silently battling anxiety, depression, grief, and burnout. They smile, love, and push through while carrying invisible burdens.
Men feel pressure to be providers, protectors, and role models, but they rarely have the space to be vulnerable. This month, especially on Father's Day, while we express gratitude with cards, meals, and gifts, let us also offer something deeper: compassion.
Let us create a space where men and boys feel safe to speak honestly about what they are going through, without judgment, shame, or fear of being seen as weak. We must stop teaching boys and young men that emotion is a weakness. Instead, let us start listening, truly listening, to both the words spoken and the unspoken sentiments when the men in our lives try to tell us they are not okay.
Let us not only celebrate the strength of fathers but also honour their humanity. We should check in on the men in our lives: those who are quiet, those who seem fine, and those who carry the weight of others while neglecting their own needs. Together, we must break the silence and foster a more compassionate world where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.
We cannot erase pain with one conversation, but we can help create an environment where it is acceptable for men to express their emotions and seek support. We can create a space for healing, where fathers feel safe to speak, to feel, and to heal.
