International Men’s Mental Health Week 2025

Unmasking the Struggles Behind the Scenes

Let’s talk about men’s mental health, stigma, and finding support in our industry.

Working in film means pushing through. Long hours, pressure-packed days, unpredictable schedules and the expectation that you keep it together, no matter what’s going on in your personal life.

That expectation to “keep it together” only got louder over the past few years. The pandemic shutdowns. The writers’ and actors’ strikes. Fewer productions. Less steady work. Rising costs. And the emotional weight of a world that’s been anything but stable.

Let’s be honest, most men weren’t raised or trained to talk about mental health. And in a performance-driven industry like ours, it can feel like showing any emotional vulnerability means risking your next call, your reputation, or your role on the crew.

This year’s International Men’s Health Week (June 10-16, 2025) is a chance to hit pause and reflect on what we’ve been carrying and how we can start showing up for ourselves and each other in healthier ways.

"I'm fine." Are you?

A lot of us default to that phrase, especially men.But the research says otherwise.

• Nearly half of Canadian men aged 19 - 29 are at risk of moderate to severe depression, and most never seek help.

• Men account for 75% of deaths by suicide in Canada.

• And despite the statistics, over 50% of men rate their mental health as “excellent” or “very good”, likely masking real distress.(Source: Canadian Men’s Health Foundation, StatsCan, Mental Health Commission of Canada)

What’s getting in the way?

• Stigma.

• “Just get on with it” thinking.

• Not knowing where to start.

• Feeling like mental health resources weren’t built with men in mind.

Sound familiar?

What it can look like on set (or off):

Men don’t always show mental health struggles the way we expect. You might not see someone breaking down, but you’ll see:

• A short fuse that wasn’t there before

• Pulling away from friends or crew

• Trouble sleeping or showing up on time

• Drinking or using more to cope

• Quietly giving up on things that used to matter

Sometimes these patterns get dismissed as “just burnout” or “he’s just going through something.” But when you’re in the thick of it, it can feel isolating, overwhelming and hard to even explain.

“But I wouldn’t know where to go…”

We hear this a lot. Even if you wanted support, it’s not always clear where to start or what’s available.

Some guys try talking to a buddy.Others try to push through or bury themselves in work.Many just carry it quietly.

But here’s the thing: You don’t have to wait until you’re at a breaking point to reach out.

And you don’t need to have all the answers either. You just need a first step.

A few starting points that work:

• HeadsUpGuys.org - designed specifically for men, with tools, stories, and support for managing depression and stress. https://headsupguys.org/ 

• Menshealthfoundation.ca - The Canadian Men’s Health Foundation is a national, registered charity providing information, tools, and motivation to inspire men and their families to live healthier. https://menshealthfoundation.ca/  Check out the Mindfit Toolkit and free Virtual Counselling (for those without benefits) https://menshealthfoundation.ca/mindfit-toolkit/#counselling 

• Insight and Resources for Gay Men - Article and links: Education and awareness are key to understanding the realities of gay-bi men’s mental.health. https://dontchangemuch.ca/mental-health/mental-health-challenges-gay-bi-men-face/

• EFAP / Member Assistance Programs - confidential counseling services (usually free) through your union benefits provider. You don’t need a referral — just call. https://www.calltimementalhealth.com/union-benefits 

• Find a Counsellor Directory - Search for a counsellor by location, male/female, and/or by your specific issue or need. https://bcacc.ca/counsellors/ 

• Find your circle. Maybe it’s not a therapist right away, maybe it’s a coworker, a friend, or another guy who gets it. Talking to someone is a win. 

Real talk: What helps

Here’s what other men have reported actually helped:

• Finding a counsellor who “got” the pace and pressure of production work

• Building in real breaks between gigs (even short ones)

• Reframing help-seeking as strength, not weakness

• Showing up for others made it easier to show up for themselves

The most common regret? Not talking about it sooner.

If you know someone who’s struggling

You don’t need to fix or solve it for them.Just check in. Ask how they’re doing. Ask again if the first answer is “fine.” Let them know there’s support out there, and you’ve got their back.

Sometimes knowing someone sees you is enough to start turning things around.

You don’t have to keep pretending.

We’re not robots. We’re not invincible. We’re human.

And if you’ve been quietly holding it together while everything around you feels like it’s cracking. That’s not weakness, it’s survival. But survival mode isn’t meant to be permanent.

This Men’s Health Week, we’re reminding each other:You’re not alone. Help is here. Let’s drop the mask and have a real conversation.