Photo: Resource Centre for Suicide Prevention / Facebook

By Shaun Penner

Move for Mental Health

SPRC bringing awareness to men’s mental health during Men’s Health Month

Jun 13, 2021 | 7:00 AM

June is Men’s Health Month and the Resource Centre for Suicide Prevention (SPRC) in Grande Prairie is using the month to bring awareness to the mental health challenges that are unique to men.

Resource Coordinator Tammy Munro says the centre at Nordic Court has several support groups and services specifically for men, as they find men face unique struggles in being able to talk about mental health.

“Historically, men typically have a higher suicide rate, about three times higher than women,” said Munro. “It’s often said it’s because men are less likely to reach out for help and have those conversations about their mental health, and what they are feeling.”

To address that, the SPRC has created several support groups and services, including the Men’s Talk group which meets on Monday’s at 7p.m. at Nordic Court, while the Men’s Support Group, which is a drop-in group and more facilitated by participants, goes Wednesday’s at 7 p.m.

The SPRC also has the Tough Enough to Talk About It program, which are workplace presentations facilitated by their staff that address the disproportionate amount of mental health issues and rates of suicide which affect those working in trades and industry

“We realized there was kind of a gap in mental health services for men, especially men in northern Alberta, in oilfield and industry, where there is a lot less people talking about mental health,” said Munro.

“We wanted to create a presentation and just kind of start those conversations.”

The theme for Men’s Health Month this year, through the Canadian Men’s Health Foundation, is Move for Mental Health. The theme encourages men and their families to get active while forwarding the conversation and awareness of mental health supports and services.

“It’s well documented that your mental and your physical health are quite well connected, so by moving it can help improve your mental health.”

While the SPRC and other organizations offer many support programs to address men’s mental health, Munro says everyone can do their part to help shed the stigma around talking about mental health issues by addressing it.

She says that can start by simply paying attention and starting a conversation.

“If you are noticing any changes in someone you care about, maybe it’s a friend or a co-worker, and you are noticing that they seem a little bit off or a little bit down, rather than brushing it off and ignoring it maybe approach them and ask how they are doing.”

You can learn more about the various support groups and services offered by the SPRC at their website.