Stigma and stereotypes: The complexities of men’s depression in the workplace

On behalf of the Canadian Mental Health Association, Jacob Baer discusses the challenges associated with male depression in the workplace

A review of recent literature suggests that there is something unique — and very much amiss — when it comes to men’s mental health in the workplace. While my own experience is anecdotal, it confirms this.

Statistically speaking, the number of men diagnosed with depression is half that of women. (1) But this does not tell the whole story. The lower rate of depression may, in fact, obscure the reality of men’s depression. Consider the discordant relationship between men’s low rates of diagnosed depression and high rates of suicide: (2) in Canada, men account for four out of every five deaths by suicide. (3)

Despite the disconnect between the statistics, a ‘silent epidemic’ of men’s depression is evident, both in general and specifically in relation to the workplace. According to a recent University of British Columbia workplace study, 49% of men surveyed met the threshold for probable depression, 55% reported feelings of loneliness, and 35% experienced thoughts of suicidal self-injury at least a few times every week. (4)

Yet, depression in men is sometimes overlooked because men tend to describe their symptoms in ways that do not align with standard diagnostic criteria. So, whereas symptoms of depression might include sadness, hopelessness, and crying, men often use other terms, such as stress, anger, fatigue and burnout. This mismatch can result in missed diagnoses and treatment and a lack of attention to workplace policies and practices.

Common signs of male depression in the workplace

Depression, and indeed poor mental health in general, can impact the workplace in profound ways. These include diminished job performance and productivity, disengagement, poor communication with coworkers, and decreased physical capabilities and daily functioning. (5)

Some behavioural indicators of depression in the workplace, such as being overly distracted, exhibiting escapist tendencies, and withdrawing socially, are prevalent across genders. However, while men tend to be reluctant to acknowledge or discuss depressive feelings, depressed men tend to externalize their behaviour. It is important to acknowledge that when we generalize about men’s behaviour, we do so in the context of Western constructions of maleness. Women who are depressed may display a quiet sadness—’acting in’—while men tend to ‘act out,’ demonstrating low impulse control, high irritability, expressing frustration with colleagues, showing anger, and generally exhibiting anti-social behaviours. (6) It may be obvious to others that a male colleague is struggling. However, men who are depressed may not seek care and support, especially in the work environment.

According to a global study conducted by the Movember Foundation, 30% of men would be reluctant to disclose their mental health struggles at work for fear that it would negatively impact their careers. 46% of these men were concerned that colleagues would speak negatively behind their backs, and 36% were specifically worried they would be held back from a promotion. (7) This reluctance to disclose further contributes to the underdiagnosing of depression in men.

Men’s reluctance to seek care and support

So why are men so often reluctant to seek care? There are two main reasons: the ongoing stigma of mental illness and the socialized ideals of masculinity. Deborah Lee, writing in this publication, identifies the four types of stigma related to men’s experience of mental illness: social, self-perceived, professional, and cultural. (8) It is professional stigma, especially how it intersects with masculinity, that is most relevant here. Stereotyped gender roles that cast men as ‘hunter’ and ‘breadwinner’ are compounded by the bias that it is unmasculine to admit and talk about one’s feelings. (9) The persistent stigma around mental illnesses intersects with stereotyped conceptions of masculinity, creating a toxic combination that can have disruptive and sometimes disastrous outcomes, including suicide.

The workplace context amplifies the impact of stigma and stereotyped masculinity on depressed men. Work plays a central role in the socially constructed masculine identity, and work-related stressors are closely connected to men’s depression and suicide. (10) The perceived degradation or loss of occupational status holds great weight for the struggling male worker. It contributes to a reticence to disclose or seek help
for depression and other mental health issues in the workplace.

What can be done?

An existing gap in workplace-specific resources and programming for men means that men may not be getting the support and services they need. While Employee Assistance Programs are meant to support all employees, regardless of gender, one study concluded that EAPs are not ‘designed to accommodate men’s unique relationships to mental health and work.’ (11)

Non-workplace-specific resources, however, are being created by non-profit organizations that address men’s issues of mental health. Instead of seeing masculine stereotypes as merely a stressor for male depression, initiatives and campaigns such as Movember, (12) HeadsUpGuys, (13) and BroMatters (14) are tapping into issues and activities of their predominantly male target audiences. While not specific to the workplace, campaigns linking moustache growing to men’s health and narratives by famous male athletes who have battled depression are innovative ways to address the uniqueness of men’s depression.

Regarding workplace-level initiatives, Ruchi Sinha suggests several successful adjustments to the work culture that management can introduce. (15) Sinha suggests reframing behaviours and language around workplace mental health challenges so that seeking help is viewed not as a weakness but rather as a characteristic of culturally legitimized masculinity, such as strength, grit and leadership prowess. Rather than talking about ‘handling depression and sadness’ or ‘dealing with stress,’ managers could use phrases such as ‘recovering from burnout’ and ‘developing mental fitness, resilience, and strength.’ (16)

Personal reflection

My journey through depression has been fraught with traps in which many men find themselves, both inside and outside the workplace. My unwillingness to accept and share my struggles with my family and colleagues had near-disastrous results. I could not get past thinking I was indispensable at work and home. I was especially reluctant to share my struggles with depression within my work environment. My worsening depression resulted in a suicide attempt and a lengthy hospitalization.

Physical activity was and continues to be my salvation, as it is a great distraction, clears my head, and keeps me in better physical and mental shape. Beyond moving my body, I have done whatever I can to still my mind. The meditative aspects of yoga, the use of wellness apps, and engaging in calming tasks, such as colouring and Zentangling, are all activities that can counter the busyness and stress of the workplace. I have also participated in e-learning programs (17) and started writing about my experiences, including this article.

The pursuit of a more optimal work-life balance is key for me and likely for most men who are struggling with depression, work-related or otherwise. I have also been very intentional in building better habits in my relationships with others, especially my wife and children. As I focus on my recovery, I intend to do things that I know are good for me and establish habits I can employ when I am well again.

A unique type of depression associated with men appears to exist. Men’s depression, and especially that which is complicated by the realities of the workplace, is clearly an area where urgent action is required. We need to achieve a better understanding of how depression impacts men and create environments in which men will be more likely to seek support. Without these changes, more men will die from preventable deaths.

The author has chosen to use the pseudonym Jacob Baer for this article. He has a Master’s in history from a Canadian university and holds a senior leadership position in a Toronto- area organization. He is a volunteer for the Canadian Mental Health Association, National Office. He has struggled with depression, both in and outside the workplace, for several years. Like many men in similar roles, he is concerned about the stigma-related impact of mental illness on his career.

References

1. Women are diagnosed with depression twice as often as men. https://cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/48856.html. Accessed from Canadian Institutes for Health Research website, February 20, 2024.
2. Oliffe, J.L., Ogrodniczuk, J.S., Gordon, S.J. et al. Stigma in Male Depression and Suicide: A Canadian Sex Comparison Study. Community Ment Health J 52, 302–310 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-015-9986-x
3. https://cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/48856.html Accessed from Canadian Institutes for Health Research website, February 20, 2024.
4. https://www.apsacentral.ca/news-item/mens-mental-health- workplace#:~:text=In%20a%20UBC%20study%20where,a%20few%20 times%20a%20week. Accessed from the APSA website https://www.apsacentral.ca/, February 20, 20245
5. https://www.cdc.gov/workplacehealthpromotion/tools-resources/workplace- health/mental-health/index.html Accessed from the Centre for Disease Control’s website, February 20, 2024.
6. https://hbr.org/2022/11/we-need-to-talk-about-mens-mental-health-at-work.
7. https://ca.movember.com/story/view/id/11888/new-research-shows-ongoing-stigma-around-raising-mental-health-at-work Accessed from Movember website, February 20, 2024.
8. Deborah Lee, Breaking the Stigma: Men’s Mental Health Matters. Open Access Government, January 2024. https://www.openaccessgovernment.org/breaking-the-stigma-mens-mental-health-matters/171766/
9. Deborah Lee 2024.
10. Oliffe JL, Han CSE. Beyond Workers’ Compensation: Men’s Mental Health In and Out of Work. American Journal of Men’s Health. 2014;8(1):45-53. https://doi.org/10.1177/1557988313490786
11. Boettcher N, Mitchell J, Lashewicz B, et al. Men’s Work-Related Stress and Mental Health: Illustrating the Workings of Masculine Role Norms. American Journal of Men’s Health. 2019;13(2). https://doi.org/10.1177/1557988319838416
12. https://ca.movember.com/
13. https://headsupguys.org/
14. https://buildstudio.ca/work/bromatters/
15. Ruchi Sinha, We need to talk about men’s mental health at work. Harvard Business Review. November 3, 2022. https://hbr.org/2022/11/we-need-to-talk-about-mens-mental-health-at-work.
16. Sinha, 2022.
17. https://cmha.ca/what-we-do/national-programs/recovery-colleges/ Accessed from the website of the Canadian Mental Health Association, February 20, 2024.

Canadian Mental Health Association
https://cmha.ca/
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