July 2023
Loneliness is a growing concern globally, and you might be surprised to learn that men often report higher levels of loneliness compared to women.
But don’t worry, we’re here to shed some light on the issue and explore ways to tackle it head-on.
So, why is loneliness a big deal?
Ever wondered why loneliness hits men hard?
It’s because we’re wired to seek connection and camaraderie.
Unfortunately, studies show that a whopping 39% of men living alone experience loneliness (AIHW).
Plus, a staggering 37% of us aren’t happy with the quality of our relationships (AIHW).
So, let’s figure out what’s going on and how we can make a change.
What causes loneliness?
Loneliness isn’t just about being physically alone – it’s about that nagging feeling of disconnection.
One reason we might feel lonely is physical isolation.
Living alone or being far away from friends and family can leave us yearning for meaningful connections.
This can be especially the case for men who work fly-in, fly-out rosters who are away from home for weeks at a time.
But here’s the kicker: even when we’re surrounded by people, we can still feel lonely. It’s not about the quantity of relationships but the quality.
Unsatisfactory social interactions, a lack of support, and poor life satisfaction can leave us feeling like we’re on an island of our own.
Is it all in our heads?
Not entirely. There’s something deeper at play here. Society’s expectations can mess with our heads. We’ve been conditioned to be tough, bury our emotions, and put on a manly front.
But bottling up our feelings isn’t doing us any favours. It’s time to break free from these outdated stereotypes and embrace our vulnerability.
Real strength lies in expressing ourselves and seeking support when we need it.
What can we do about it?
We don’t have to let loneliness rule our lives.
Here are some simple steps we can take to reconnect and beat the loneliness blues:
- Social media – Who said social media is all bad? Use it to kick-start conversations, reconnect with old mates, and join online communities centred around your interests. It’s like having a virtual bar where everyone knows your name.
- Say ‘yes’ to invitations – Step out of your comfort zone and accept invitations, even if it’s just for a casual coffee catch-up. You never know where those conversations might lead.
- Reconnect with yourself – Take time for yourself, doing things you genuinely enjoy. Whether it’s fishing, playing guitar, or hitting the trails, reconnecting with your passions can boost your spirits and attract like-minded mates.
- Get a dog, mate – A loyal four-legged companion can bring so much joy and companionship into your life. Plus, they’re always up for a walk or a game of fetch. Dogs are like mates who never let you down.
- Join a brotherhood – Consider joining organisations like Men’s Shed or a local gym. These places are filled with blokes who get it, and they’re always up for a chat or a bit of banter.
- Online support forums – When you need advice or just a listening ear, jump online and check out forums like SANE Australia, Beyond Blue, or MensLine. They’re a treasure trove of shared experiences and support from men who’ve been there.
Loneliness is a serious issue for men, but it’s not something we have to face alone.
By understanding the causes of loneliness, challenging societal expectations, and taking action to reconnect, we can conquer this beast.
Remember, you’re never alone in this journey. Reach out, make connections, and prioritise your mental and emotional wellbeing. We’ve got this!
References
- Social isolation and loneliness – Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
- Measuring loneliness: Psychometric properties of the three-item loneliness scale among community-dwelling adults – ScienceDirect
- Does loneliness lie within? Personality functioning shapes loneliness and mental distress in a representative population sample – ScienceDirect
The following resource has been provided for informational purposes only. As it does not consider your personal circumstances and needs, we recommend you obtain your own professional health advice to determine how this resource may apply to you.
