GreenShield, in partnership with Mental Health Research Canada, published a new report which found that one in three young Canadian men ages 16-29 view seeking help for mental health challenges as a sign of weakness. The report was developed based on data collected from an online survey, which was conducted between February 4 and 20, 2026, among a sample of 3,519 adult Canadians.
Key insights from the report:
- Stigma and disengagement: One in three young men view seeking help for mental health challenges as a sign of weakness, rising to 50% among newcomers. Among those who seek help, 49% disengage – most often due to lack of control (20%), inflexible scheduling (18%) and limited progress (15%).
- Riskier coping: Young men are two to three times more likely to rely on unhealthy coping strategies, such as gambling and substance use, increasing the risk of long-term mental health, financial, and social challenges. Gambling risk for young men is roughly double the national average at 15% vs 7-8%.
- Equity-deserving young men: Racialized young men are less likely to turn to family and friends (54% vs. 68%) and nearly twice as likely not to speak to anyone about their concerns (29% vs. 15%). Higher stigma among newcomers points to compounding barriers to care.
- AI and online forums: While young men are less likely to seek support overall, they are as likely as young women to turn to AI tools (12%, ages 16–29) and more likely to seek help through online forums (7% vs. 3%).
- One-size-fits-all approaches are falling short: Expanding access alone is not enough. Meeting the needs of young men requires solutions that reflect how they seek support and enable earlier, sustained engagement in care.
For further information about the study and to download the report, click here.
