In an in-depth analytical study by the WHO (2019), the estimate of annual global suicides reached a shocking 703,000 individuals, making suicide a more alarming issue than HIV/AIDS, war, and homicide when it comes to total fatalities.
That same study also revealed an uneven distribution in the male to female suicide rate: men commit a successful suicide at a 2.3 higher rate.
While factors such as choice in suicidal method plays a significant role in skewing these statics (Berardelli et al., 2022), it is important to take a moment during Men’s Health Month to look at one of the main reported reasons that leads to such acts of self-harm.
Our feelings of loneliness can stem from a lack of meaningful connections. We long to feel a sense of belonging, to love and to be loved and to exist in a world where our presence has an impact on the ones around us.
This constant desire for validation and love can bring about greater feelings of loneliness, despair and hopelessness. In 2021, studies showed that 15% of men report having zero real friends and relationships, in comparison to the 10% female counterpart, indicating significant gender-coded reasons for these skewed statistics (The American Survey Center, 2021).
The Male Loneliness Epidemic has been a topic of interest dating back to 2021 and has generated online discourse that reached the point of a “Loneliness Olympics”, a day to day, and case by case contest trying to prove which gender is lonelier.
Men’s Mental Health and Stigma
The 21st century witnessed a multitude of awareness campaigns with one clear goal in sight; raising awareness towards men’s mental health.
The campaigns encouraged men to vocalize issues and to be more open to the idea of seeking professional help. The overall intent was to break masculine stereotype of “toughing out” any situation.
However, modern studies have shown that we have yet to break the stigma as men are still likely to be perceived as weaker, and incompetent for seeking help, be it professionally or from different support systems (Lynch et al., 2018).
The persistent fear of judgement has meant that some men choose to cope with their emotions by socially isolating themselves to avoid negatively impacting people’s perception of them.
These societal inconsistencies have quickly turned to societal dismissiveness with an acceptance, non-interest, and a playing down of men’s issues, making men feel abandoned by society all together, contributing to feelings of loneliness.
How Digitalization Catalyzed Isolation
If you had to guess which industry is more profitable, Film, Television, or Music you would probably take a lot of time to reach your conclusion. But what wouldn’t cross your mind is the fact that the gaming industry, valued at $200-plus billion is worth more than all of these industries combined (Forbes, 2023).
Despite modern-day statistics showcasing equilibrium between male and female gamers, to an even 50-50 distribution, the reality is that gaming addiction, and gaming escapism is almost entirely made up of men, at a rate exceeding 90% (Kim et al., 2022).
The gaming industry has surely taken notice of this, pushing on a yearly basis more and more games that cater directly to both the male gaze, and the male preference, with little to no games solely dedicated to the female audience.
Self-isolating hobbies can exacerbate pre-existing feelings of loneliness, whilst discouraging social development.
Another industry that has shown little hesitation to pry on the loneliness and desperation of men is the pornographic industry.
With isolation and loneliness on a constant rise, generational porn addiction has intensified (Duffy et al., 2016). Men are able to access more entertainment for quick-fix pleasures, triggering false relationship experiences which can make men feel lonelier and less inclined toward social interactions.
Career and Personal Pressures
One’s career and personal pressures significantly contribute to male loneliness, often exacerbating feelings of isolation and inadequacy. Men frequently face societal expectations to succeed in their careers and provide for their families, which can create an immense burden. Research indicates that men who perceive themselves as failing to meet these expectations are more likely to experience loneliness and depression (Rochlen et al., 2010).
The relentless pursuit of professional success can lead to long working hours, reduced time for social interactions and a neglect of personal relationships, thereby compounding feelings of isolation. Additionally, the stigma surrounding men’s mental health issues often prevents them from seeking help, further intensifying their sense of loneliness and exacerbating their mental health struggles (Mahalik et al., 2007).
Health Implications of Male Loneliness
The health implications of loneliness are profound and far-reaching, affecting both mental and physical well-being. Chronic loneliness has been linked to a range of adverse health outcomes, including increased risks of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and hypertension (Hawkley & Cacioppo, 2010). Moreover, loneliness can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to illnesses and infections (Cacioppo et al., 2015). Mental health is also severely impacted, with loneliness being a significant predictor of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation (Heinrich & Gullone, 2006).
The physiological mechanisms underlying these effects include heightened stress responses, increased inflammation, and altered brain function. As such, addressing loneliness is crucial not only for improving mental health but also for preventing a host of physical health issues, underscoring the importance of fostering social connections and providing support for those experiencing isolation.
5 Ways to Help Overcome Loneliness
1. Social Skills Training
Improving social skills can help individuals form and maintain meaningful relationships. A study published in Clinical Psychology Review found that social skills training can significantly reduce feelings of loneliness by enhancing communication abilities and confidence in social interactions.
2. Engaging in Group Activities
Participating in group activities such as sports, hobby groups, or community service can provide a sense of belonging and reduce loneliness. Research in Social Science & Medicine highlights the positive impact of community involvement on reducing social isolation and improving mental well-being.
3. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT promotes positive thinking and targets unhelpful beliefs about social interactions. A meta-analysis in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology reported that CBT interventions significantly decreases loneliness.
4. Peer Support Programs
Peer support programs, where individuals with similar experiences provide support to each other, have been effective in reducing loneliness. A study in the Journal of Mental Health demonstrated that peer support interventions can improve social connectedness and decrease loneliness, particularly among men.
5. Addressing Stigma and Encouraging Help-Seeking
Reducing the stigma around loneliness and mental health can encourage men to seek help. Educational campaigns and supportive environments can make it easier for men to talk about their feelings and access resources. A study in American Journal of Men’s Health emphasizes the importance of destigmatizing loneliness and promoting mental health services for men.
