#245 TURNing it up with Gurjeet on Wellbeing Wednesday: Veterans, Masculinity, and Mental Health: What We Need to Know

In this episode with Gurjeet on Wellbeing Wednesday, we dive into the complex reality of men’s mental health and the growing effort to reduce suicide risk among men and veterans. We explore what it means to reframe masculinity—seeing strength not just in resilience and independence, but in emotional expression, vulnerability, and asking for help.

Together, we break down the pressures men face, how subtle shifts in behaviour can signal distress, and why increasing awareness through credible mental health information is essential in a world crowded by “bro-podcasts” and self-help misinformation.

We also highlight the unique challenges faced by veterans as they transition from military to civilian life, and the national push for a coordinated suicide-prevention strategy led by CMHA branches, Veterans Affairs, and the Canadian Armed Forces.

Listeners will walk away with practical tools for supporting the men in their lives—how to pay attention, start a conversation, keep it going, and stay grounded in your role as a friend, not a clinician. Because men’s mental health isn’t just a November topic—it’s a year-round commitment to keeping our communities connected, supported, and alive.

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