Understanding Men’s Loneliness and Paths Toward Connection
/Men and Loneliness: Why So Many Men Feel Isolated
Loneliness has become a widely recognized public health issue. While it affects people of all genders, research and reporting increasingly show that many men experience loneliness quietly and are less likely to reach out for support.
Recent articles from The New York Times, CNN, PBS NewsHour, and research from Pew and the American Institute for Boys and Men point to a shared concern. Many men want deeper friendships but feel unsure how to build or maintain them in adulthood. This is not a personal failure. It reflects cultural norms, time pressures, and a lack of supportive spaces for connection.
If you are feeling isolated or disconnected, support is available.
You can learn more about working with me or schedule a session here:
Male Friendships and How Men Connect
Research suggests that men and women often socialize differently. Women tend to feel more comfortable connecting through face to face conversation, while men often connect through shared activities or shoulder to shoulder experiences. Neither style is better or more meaningful than the other.
Problems arise when male friendships are judged by standards that do not match how many men naturally build connection. Friendships formed around activities, projects, or volunteering can be just as deep and supportive.
Loneliness, Income, and Access to Support
Studies also show that loneliness is more common among people with fewer financial resources. Low income men and women report higher levels of isolation than those with more stability. When men struggle silently and avoid reaching out, this can lead to unnecessary suffering, especially for those with fewer supports.
Therapy can be one place to begin addressing this in a structured, supportive way.
Men and Therapy: Rethinking the Traditional Therapy Setting
If many men connect best through shared activity, it is worth asking how therapy fits. Traditional therapy is often face to face, which can feel uncomfortable or unfamiliar for some men. In my practice, I sometimes offer walk and talk therapy sessions, especially early in the process. These sessions allow for a more shoulder to shoulder experience while still providing a structured, supportive space. While outdoor sessions require attention to privacy, many clients find this approach more accessible and natural.
If you are curious whether this type of therapy might be a good fit for you,
schedule a session here.
Can Therapy Help Men With Loneliness?
Therapy does not have to be the final answer. It can be a starting point where men explore loneliness, clarify what they want from friendships, and practice reaching out in new ways.
Many men use therapy to:
Talk through isolation without judgment
Explore how they connect with others
Build confidence reaching out to friends
Clarify what kinds of relationships feel supportive
How Men Can Build Connection and Reduce Loneliness
Researchers and clinicians alike suggest that shared activities can be powerful for building connection. Volunteering, community involvement, and hobbies offer meaningful ways to spend time with others while doing something together.
Loneliness is common, and it is not a personal failure. If you are struggling with connection or unsure where to start, therapy can be one step toward building relationships that feel supportive and sustainable.