Men and loneliness

What we know

While many men enjoy strong support networks, the numbers show there’s still work to be done when it comes to connection and help-seeking. Nearly one in four men aged 15 and over experience social isolation at some point each year. One in four also report having no one outside their immediate family they can depend on. Despite this, many are hesitant to reach out—around 80% of adult men say they’d be unlikely to call a helpline for support. Relationship satisfaction is another challenge, with 37% of men saying they’re not happy with the quality of their relationships. And one in three feel they wouldn’t have someone to turn to if they needed help. These figures highlight the importance of creating spaces where men feel safe to connect, speak openly, and seek support when they need it.

Are men lonelier than women?

Studies keep highlighting that men often show elevated levels of loneliness in comparison to women. A substantial 39% of men who live alone struggle with feelings of loneliness, and one in three men perceives a lack of available support in times of need.

When it comes to people aged 25–44, being in a relationship means having a stronger defence against loneliness for men. Meanwhile, women, whether living alone or with company, report similar levels of loneliness.

Men living in solitary conditions tend to experience heightened levels of loneliness compared to men who share living arrangements with others.

But how can men reconnect?

Getting out there can seem like a huge effort sometimes, but only a few small changes can be the push you need to reconnect and establish social contact again.

“Set realistic expectations around your social life, as it’s natural for friendships to ebb and flow. It’s possible to take steps on your own to manage how you feel, but many people find it beneficial to work through their loneliness with a professional therapist.” says Irene Verins, Mental Wellbeing Manager at VicHealth.

Some small steps you can start taking today:

• A simple text to a friend you haven’t talked in a while, or a call back you owe a friend, maybe even that email you have been avoiding to send your real estate. Any contact counts.
• A quick coffee catch up with a friend, or a small family dinner are also good ways to reintroduce social interactions into your life again.
• Help! Offering to help a friend or volunteer is a great way to get out there, but it’s also important to learn to accept help as well.
• Group exercise and team sports like soccer, volleyball, basketball, tennis, and many others, are a great way to connect with people who have a common interest.
• Finally, make your alone time enjoyable! Plan the time you want to spend with yourself. Read a book, watch a movie, head to a game or concert. It doesn’t really matter what it is, as long as it’s enjoyable.

Support for Australian men

The below organisations offer programs and resources to help Aussie men with their mental health and wellbeing, or can just help connect them with others in the community.

• ​​ Australian Men’s Shed Association – It’s all in the name – the Men’s Shed Association is all about building, whether it’s furniture or friendships. With over 985 locations around Australia, chances are there’s a shed near you.
• Mens Line - Men’s Line is a phone and online support service that offers ‘male-friendly’ counselling that can ensure you privacy and anonymity. It also features an active forum where men come together to give each other advice, guidance and support.
• Dads in Distress - Dads in Distress describe their philosophy as ‘father-centred but child-focused’, paying particular attention to enabling men to cope with changes to their parental circumstances.
• Beyond Blue​ – Australia’s most well-known mental health organisation. Beyond Blue is a reliable source of mental health information, support, and hope. You can hear from others that understand what you’re going through.

All information contained in this article is intended for general information purposes only. The information provided should not be relied upon as medical advice and does not supersede or replace a consultation with a suitably qualified healthcare professional. 

Sources:

https://www.healthymale.org.au/news/loneliness-silent-epidemic

https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/australias-welfare/social-isolation-and-loneliness

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

https://parentsbeyondbreakup.com/dids/

https://mensline.org.au/

https://mensshed.org/

https://www.amhf.org.au/ten_to_men_report_on_social_connectedness_and_australian_males

https://www.healthymale.org.au/news/the-gendered-nature-of-loneliness#:~:text=One%20in%20four%20men%20aged,16%20older%20men%20(6%25).

https://www.healthymale.org.au/news/loneliness-silent-epidemic

https://aifs.gov.au/media/depression-suicidality-and-loneliness-mental-health-and-australian-men

https://www.blokespsychology.com.au/resources/why-men-have-no-friends#:~:text=25%25%20of%20Aussie%20men%20have,to%20catch%20up%20with%20mates.

https://www.healthymale.org.au/mens-health/loneliness-and-social-isolation

https://www.healthymale.org.au/news/loneliness-silent-epidemic#:~:text=one%20in%20three%20men%20believe%20that%20there%20is%20no%20one%20to%20help%20them%20out%20if%20in%20they%E2%80%99re%20in%20need