Supporting Men’s Mental Health: Insights from UBC’s Latest Research

Men’s mental health is an evolving field, and recent studies from the University of British Columbia (UBC) offer valuable insights into how men experience and engage with psychological support. As of 2024, UBC’s Men’s Health Research Program continues to advance understanding in this area, shedding light on effective ways to address men’s emotional and mental well-being. This post explores key findings from their latest work and considers their broader implications.

Men Are Accessing Support—But Systems Must Adapt

UBC’s research highlights a notable trend: more men are seeking mental health assistance than in previous years, challenging outdated assumptions about reluctance to ask for help. However, traditional counselling frameworks often fail to align with how men typically express their difficulties. Studies from UBC suggest that men may present issues like anger, frustration, or practical concerns rather than directly addressing emotions such as sadness or anxiety.

This observation underpins Men in Mind, an online training program developed by UBC researchers—the first of its kind globally—to equip counsellors with skills tailored to male clients. The program emphasizes that men might frame their struggles differently; for instance, persistent irritability at work could signal deeper issues like burnout or depression. Effective support, then, involves meeting men on their terms rather than expecting conformity to a standard emotional narrative.

Reframing the Approach: Strengths as a Foundation

Past discussions of men’s mental health have often focused on negative traits, such as aggression or avoidance of help. UBC’s recent studies shift this perspective, emphasizing resilience and inherent strengths as starting points for support. Enduring challenges, maintaining effort despite disconnection, or initiating counselling all reflect significant capacity. Research indicates that acknowledging these qualities can foster a collaborative dynamic between men and their counsellors, building on capability rather than dwelling on perceived deficits.

For example, rather than questioning why anger dominates a man’s response, a counsellor might explore what has sustained him through adversity. This strengths-based approach, according to UBC’s findings, encourages longer engagement with counselling and fosters a sense of agency, positioning men as active participants in their mental health journey.

The Role of Relationships

UBC’s work also underscores the importance of relational context in men’s mental health. Well-being is closely linked to connections with partners, friends, or communities. The Men Building Intimate Partner Relationships study, part of UBC’s broader research, examines how men approach intimacy and the skills they bring to relationships. Evidence suggests many men aspire to strengthen these bonds—whether by improving communication or maintaining ties with peers—but may lack clear pathways to do so.

Counselling can serve as a resource here, not merely to resolve conflicts, but to clarify what meaningful connection looks like for an individual. UBC’s findings indicate that when counselling respects a man’s perspective on relationships—treating him as knowledgeable about his own experiences—it enhances openness and promotes growth.

Applying the Research

UBC’s insights offer practical considerations for enhancing men’s mental health support:

• For Men Seeking Help: Finding a counsellor who understands that emotional disclosure may unfold gradually can be beneficial. Starting with tangible issues, such as workplace stress, can pave the way for broader exploration over time.
• For Those Supporting Men: Encouragement without pressure is key. Suggesting options or acknowledging observed struggles can be more effective than directives, as research shows men respond better when autonomy is preserved.
• For Society: Moving away from stigmatizing narratives is essential. Men’s mental health challenges are not failures but responses to complex circumstances. Recognizing efforts—like seeking help or persisting through difficulty—can shift cultural perceptions.

Broader Implications

In 2025, men’s mental health remains a critical topic, and UBC’s contributions provide a roadmap for progress. Programs like Men in Mind and studies on relational dynamics demonstrate that tailored approaches yield better outcomes. By adapting to men’s unique needs and strengths, mental health support can become more inclusive and impactful, benefiting individuals and their wider networks.

For those interested in further details, UBC’s Men’s Health Research Program offers a wealth of resources and updates on this evolving field. These findings invite reflection on how mental health strategies can better serve diverse experiences, paving the way for more effective support systems.