(Photo 103770343 © Tero Vesalainen | Dreamstime.com)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Helping Others

Sask. mental health advocates aiming to end stigma for men

Aug 24, 2023 | 5:00 PM

Two Saskatchewan men have made it their life mission to end the stigma on mental health.

Allan Kehler, an International Keynote Speaker, and J.R. Larose, a retired CFL player, have been travelling to different communities in the province in hopes of encouraging people to reach out, especially men.

According to the Canadian Men’s Health Foundation, roughly one million men struggle with their mental health each year but only about 30 per cent of people using available services are men.

Larose explained it was tough to finally open up but it’s something he’s glad he did.

“It’s like a huge weight has been lifted off your chest. That doesn’t make you any less than a man, I think there’s more power in being able to show that,” he said.

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J.R. Larose. (J.R. Larose’s website)

Ever since Larose found the courage to do so, he’s been sharing his story in hopes of others doing the same. He said he’s had a lot of success which he attributes to his previous profession.

“They’re interested in knowing more about my story based on the status that I carry being a former football player. Outside looking in, people (see me) as a man’s man.”

This is something Kehler couldn’t agree more with. Over the multiple events the two have spoken at, Kehler has really come to notice just how much Larose is making a difference.

“He really redefines what it means to be a man. I think we’re a person first and he really reminds us that we have to give ourselves permission to feel.”

Allan Kehler. (Allan Kehler’s website)

That progress is something Kehler sees across Saskatchewan. He explained over the past year he’s been to several communities where groups were hosting their first-ever event focused on men’s mental health. One of these events also saw around 300 men come out.

“When you can just look around and realize that ‘I am not alone in this,’ that is an incredible space to create.”

Meanwhile, Kehler and Larose will be in Melfort at the Marguerite Riel Centre on September 29, 2023.

The event is free with people asked to register ahead of time. They can do so by calling 306-752-4950 or emailing perrymrc@outlook.com.

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow