Making a Difference
From measurable outcomes to heartfelt testimonials, HeadsUpGuys is transforming men’s mental health and saving lives.
“As a man, mental health is not easy to talk about. It's amazing to know I'm not alone."
Since launching in 2015, HeadsUpGuys has been dedicated to empowering men to improve their mental health and prevent suicide.
Our team brings together the expertise of clinicians, researchers, and mental health advocates to guide men and their families along their mental health journeys.
We envision a world where all men see mental health as a priority and suicide is no longer among the top five leading causes of death for men of any age.
OUR ENGAGEMENT
Over 5 Million Website Visits
Over 30 Million People Reached Through Social Media and Promotions
Over 500,000 Depression Self Checks Completed
Over 50,000Stress Tests Completed
Over 20,000Connections Made with Therapists
ViaWebsite, Email, and Phone Clicks
Over 700 Course Completions
Courses IncludeRewiring Negative Thoughts, Managing Anger, Mindfulness, Relationship Skills
Our Resource
HeadsUpGuys offers an extensive range of resources to support men’s mental health, including:
Learn more about HeadsUpGuys.
GLOBAL IMPACT
Driven by a passionate and unwavering commitment, HeadsUpGuys has become the world’s most comprehensive resource for men’s mental health. We provide men, their families, and friends with reliable, research-backed information, guidance, education, and support.
As a program of the University of British Columbia, HeadsUpGuys serves a global audience, reaching and supporting visitors worldwide.
This map shows our global website traffic levels by country, with darker regions indicating higher numbers of visitors.
WHAT OUR VISITORS ARE SAYING
“HeadsUpGuys is truly ground-breaking… Now, men have a resource that arms them with knowledge about how to not only help themselves, but also how to bring others by their side in their journey to recovery.” Age 51, US
Driving change through our four pillars
We strive to support men through four key mandates: improving mental health literacy among men, reducing stigma, supporting men’s uptake of mental health services, and arming men—and their friends, families, and communities—with effective self-management strategies.
To evaluate our website’s success in achieving these goals, we surveyed over 400 men who visited HeadsUpGuys. Here’s what what we found:
1. INCREASING MENTAL HEALTH LITERACY
We provide up-to-date, research-backed information about all things related to depression and suicidality among men, including clear guidance on self-care strategies and treatment options.
- 74% could better recognise symptoms of depression.
- 67% reported that their knowledge of suicide and suicidal thoughts among men improved.
2. REDUCING STIGMA
We aim to reframe the way men think about masculinity, making it easier for them to ask for help without the fear of being judged or appearing weak. Our collection of over 100 recovery stories from men around the globe encourages open dialogue, helping to dismantle the silence around men’s mental health. By increasing awareness and dispelling myths, we help normalize mental health struggles, reduce stigma, and foster empathy.
- 68% reported a reduction in their stigmatizing beliefs about depression in men.
- 64% reported feeling less alone in their experience of suicidal thoughts.
3. ARMING MEN WITH SELF-MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES
We offer practical tips and guidance on effective self-care strategies, along with validated screening tools to assess various aspects of mental health.
Our self-guided courses offer a deep dive into essential mental health skills. Through our worksheets, exercises, and interactive tools, men not only absorb the information but also actively practice it, fostering sustainable change and improvements.
- 85% of men expressed satisfaction with HeadsUpGuys as an invaluable resource for managing depression.
- 72% reported an increased sense of hope for recovery.
- 70% reported feeling inspired to take action toward recovery.
- 69% reported being helped in better understanding the next steps toward recovery from depression.
- 62% indicated that they were better able to manage symptoms of depression.
4. SUPPORTING ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
We help men understand the power of collective support in tackling depression and suicidality, underscoring the importance of building a robust support team. This includes bringing mental health professionals into the mix. To this end, our International Therapist Directory, with over 800 specialists from across Canada, the US, the UK, and beyond, helps link men with qualified men’s mental health experts.
- 66% of those who had not previously sought help from a mental health professional reported that they were more likely to do so after visiting HeadsUpGuys.
TESTIMONIALS
Over the years, we’ve received powerful testimonials that highlight the impact of HeadsUpGuys, not only on men, but also on friends, family members, and mental health professionals worldwide.
From Men
I read your article on managing suicidal thoughts. Thank you, I’m pretty sure it saved my life. – Anonymous
HeadsUpGuys made me feel that I wasn’t on my own, and helped me understand actions I can take to help my wellbeing. – Age 47, UK
My Self Check score indicated that maybe it’s time to stop lying to myself and pretending I’m ok . . . I’m going to reach out. – Age 31, Australia
I found this website during a very dark period of my life, and it gave me so much hope. All the resources before this were really general but HeadsUpGuys helped me feel more connected. – Age 27, Canada
I have gained courage to open up to my friends and family about my depression and suicidal thoughts. – Age 25, Poland
FROM SUPPORTERS
I lost a roommate from suicide a year and some months ago… After visiting HeadsUpGuys, I realized that depression is a huge problem and I improved my perception, not just not to judge but also to reach out and how to do that. – Age 21, Malawi
I feel like I have an idea of how to address certain situations with my boyfriend whom is struggling with suicidal thoughts. – Age 20, US
As a mental health advocate for our company, I literally couldn’t find a better site to share!” – Anonymous
Your site helped me know how to have an important conversation with my dad, which I’ve been avoiding for years. Because of this, he ended up getting the help he needed, and is now enjoying life and is a great grand-dad to my kids. I can’t thank you enough.” Age 44, Canada
I felt so relieved that I was armed with the name of your site. Before I wouldn’t
have known what to say or how to help a guy…HeadsUpGuys is such an important creation and I love that I now have a place to send ALL of the people in my life who have brothers, husbands and dads that NEED this.” – Brandi’s Testimonial
Brandi’s story shows how she was able to support a stranger in need by introducing him to HeadsUpGuys.
FROM MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
I work as a counsellor in Mental Health and Addictions and I am always recommending your website to clients. I feel the work you do is very important and will help many men. Thank you.” – Age 54, Canada
Your site is amazing! I share it with all of my clients, as well as others who are supporting a man in their life who is struggling.” Age 57, Canada
Discover a wide range of testimonials from men, their loved ones, mental health professionals, and advocates who have found invaluable support through HeadsUpGuys.
News and Media
HeadsUpGuys has gained notable media coverage, showcasing our key role in supporting men’s mental health. This exposure helps us reach more men and their networks, amplifying our mission and increasing awareness of our essential resources.
Over 100 news articles and media mentions from prominent outlets
MEN, MENTAL HEALTH AND ENDING THE ‘MAN UP’ MENTALITY
CBC The National: Feature on HeadsUpGuys: Josh Beharry, a suicide attempt survivor, shares his story and works with a Dr. John Ogrodniczuk on HeadsUpGuys to provide essential men’s mental health resources.
ONLINE RESOURCE HELPING MEN COPE WITH MENTAL HEALTH
GlobalNews: Video Interview with Dr. John Ogrodniczuk on breaking down stigma around men’s mental health.
THE MENTAL HEALTH ISSUE MEN NEVER TALK ABOUT
Men’s Health: Depression is a crippling mental illness. Initiatives like HeadsUpGuys and stories from individuals like Joel Robison highlight its impact on men.
PSYCHO BUNNY PROMOTES NEW ‘DAD UP’ FATHER’S DAY CAMPAIGN FOR ACCESSIBLE MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS
Forbes: Campaign in partnership with HeadsUpGuys to promote accessible mental health awareness and resources for men.
MY BOYFRIEND WAS SUICIDAL – AND I HAD NO IDEA
The Telegraph: Evie Moore reflects on her boyfriend’s undetected depression and highlights HeadsUpGuys’ insights on men’s mental health and the need for open conversations.
A trusted resource
HeadsUpGuys has gained broad recognition across various platforms, reflecting the strong trust and credibility we’ve earned in the mental health field.
Over 100 organizations recognize HeadsUpGuys as a valuable resource
HeadsUpGuys is a trusted resource featured on the websites of several mental health and social work organizations, counseling services, and post-secondary institutions. Our inclusion on these platforms ensures that students, men with specific mental health needs, and various groups have access to our valuable resources and support. This broad endorsement underscores our credibility and commitment to reaching diverse audiences in need of mental health guidance.
RESEARCH IMPACT
Every initiative at HeadsUpGuys is grounded in research.
Research supports everything we do at HeadsupGuys
Led by Dr. John Ogrodniczuk, Professor of Psychiatry and Director of the Psychotherapy Program at UBC, HeadsUpGuys integrates rigorous research with practical solutions to address critical issues in men’s mental health.
Exploring Key Issues
Our research delves into the complexities of men’s mental health, identifying risk factors, promoting effective coping strategies, and enhancing mental health services tailored to men’s specific needs. Areas of research include:
Investigating Effective Treatments and Interventions
Additionally, we focus on researching and evaluating treatments and interventions that support men’s mental health and well-being.
- For instance, our research shows that first-person recovery story videos effectively reduce resistance among men with strong traditional masculinity beliefs, encouraging them to seek psychological help for depression.
By applying our research findings, we aim to cultivate a supportive environment that empowers men to prioritize and manage their mental health effectively, fostering a brighter future for men globally.
YOUR GENEROSITY SAVES LIVES
- HeadsUpGuys relies solely on donations to reach men in need and break the silence surrounding men’s mental health. We pride ourselves on maintaining low costs and running a lean operation.