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Independent Medical Examinations are not just a claims management tool - they are an opportunity to validate, support, and guide men toward the help they need.
Every November, we see moustaches sprout in support of Movember, a global movement dedicated to men’s health. Much of the spotlight falls on prostate and testicular cancer awareness, yet an equally pressing issue often remains in the shadows: men’s mental health.
In Canada, men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women, and suicide remains one of the leading causes of death for men under 50 (Statistics Canada, 2023). Despite these sobering numbers, many men still face stigma when seeking support, particularly in the workplace.
For employers, disability managers, and insurers, understanding how mental health challenges affect male employees is crucial - and this is where Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs) play a vital role.
Why Men’s Mental Health is Often Overlooked
While the conversation around mental health has grown in recent years, cultural expectations still discourage many men from speaking openly about stress, depression, or anxiety. They may worry that acknowledging mental health challenges could be seen as a sign of weakness, potentially jeopardizing their careers.
This reluctance can delay intervention, leading to longer absences from work and more complex disability claims. For organizations managing short-term disability (STD) or long-term disability (LTD) claims, these delays create challenges in providing timely, appropriate support.
The Role of IMEs in Supporting Men’s Mental Health Claims
When a mental health–related leave is prolonged or unclear, an Independent Medical Examination provides clarity. Conducted by a qualified psychiatrist or psychologist, IMEs deliver an impartial, evidence-based assessment that helps all parties - employee, employer, and insurer - understand the path forward.
For men struggling silently, this can mean:
- Validation of their condition – An independent expert confirms that the challenges are real, helping to break stigma and encourage treatment.
- Treatment recommendations – IMEs often identify therapies, supports, or interventions that might not have been considered yet.
- Return-to-work guidance – A safe, structured plan can reduce the pressure men may feel to “push through” before they are ready.
Why Employers and Insurers Should Pay Attention This Movember
Mental health–related disability claims are rising across Canada. In 2021, nearly 30% of disability claims were linked to mental health conditions (Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association, 2022). For men, the risk of going untreated until crisis point is especially high.
By leveraging IMEs as part of their claims management approach, employers and insurers can:
- Ensure fair, unbiased assessments of men’s mental health conditions.
- Identify evidence-based treatments that support recovery.
- Balance workplace needs with the employee’s health and long-term well-being.
This not only supports employees but also reduces the economic and operational impacts of prolonged absences.
Moving Beyond Awareness to Action
Movember is more than just growing moustaches - it’s a call to action. Employers and insurers can play a meaningful role in supporting men’s mental health by:
- Creating open cultures where men feel safe to discuss mental health.
- Training managers to recognize early signs of stress and burnout.
- Incorporating IMEs into disability claims processes to ensure fairness and clinical accuracy.
When men know their mental health will be taken seriously, they are more likely to seek help early, improving outcomes for everyone involved.
This Movember, let’s broaden the conversation about men’s health to include the invisible struggles that affect so many in the workplace. Independent Medical Examinations are not just a claims management tool - they are an opportunity to validate, support, and guide men toward the help they need.
At IMA, we bring extensive expertise in conducting mental health IMEs across Canada, ensuring that employers, insurers, and case managers have the clarity they need to manage claims with fairness and compassion.
If you’d like to learn how IMEs can strengthen your approach to men’s mental health claims, reach out to our team today.
