When most men think about the social roles they were taught from birth, caring for their mental health and building supportive relationships aren’t always a big part of the picture. 

People are quick to say that “traditional” male gender roles emphasize emotional repression, dominance or control, and indirect communication. However, there’s a lot to unpack here. 

It’s true that men feel pressured to perform in this way. At the same time, it’s a very limited notion of what masculinity can look like. Some men embrace sensitivity and emotional literacy as a form of strength. In any case, it seems that loneliness is part of the price of buying into hyper masculine ideals.

In recent years, there’s been some talk about whether we’re in a “male loneliness epidemic.” However, a Pew Research Center survey published in 2025 revealed that loneliness in men and women was about equal. One of the main differences was that women are more likely to reach out to a wider network for emotional support. This study found that younger people are more likely to report loneliness than people over 50. 

However, other studies have suggested that smaller social circles associated with advanced age in men may contribute to higher rates of loneliness for men who are older.

While men may not experience more loneliness than women overall, the process of reconnecting and finding companionship may be more difficult for them. In this article, we’ll talk about why Father’s Day can bring out feelings of loneliness in men and talk about six truths concerning male loneliness.

How does Father’s Day contribute to loneliness in men?

For men, Father’s Day can be a reminder of the distance in their relationships with their fathers or the relationships they wish they had. 

For those who had absent or abusive fathers, Father’s Day can bring up painful memories. 

Men who haven’t had children because they haven’t found the right partner or are struggling with infertility may feel a different kind of grief on Father’s Day, as well as fathers who are estranged from their children and wish they were closer. 

All of these experiences are valid. This day that’s supposed to be about honoring great father figures can make men more aware of the ways their relationships don’t measure up to their ideals.

6 truths about male loneliness

Some aspects of loneliness are universal. Loneliness in men is linked with depression and poor mental health, but this can also be said for women. Loneliness is only one part of a person’s psychological state. 

For instance, depression can influence the way a person interprets their social experiences, leading them to think that they made a bad impression or embarrassed themself. While reconnecting with others is ultimately helpful, it can be difficult for a number of reasons. 

There are other truths about loneliness in men that are more specific to their gendered experiences. Keep in mind that these are broad generalizations, and the realities of individual men’s lives are much more varied. 

The following are six truths that apply to common experiences of male loneliness:

• Male loneliness has distinct characteristics 

Men may seem to be more stoic about their loneliness, which can also affect how they identify and process their emotions on the inside. Male loneliness often hides behind other things, like busy schedules and professional achievements. 

Its health impacts are serious, making it crucial to recognize and address. It may be expressed in ways that feel more acceptable to them, such as avoidance, numbing or escape behaviors. 

• Hypermasculinity can limit vulnerability and emotional well-being 

Social norms often make it difficult for men to initiate connections with others, show interest or affection, or maintain relationships through direct communication. In more toxic forms of masculinity, externalizing symptoms by directing anger toward others or taking risks may have a negative impact on their relationships.

• Men are less likely to ask for support

With few examples of emotionally grounded masculinity and little experience reaching out for help, men have few opportunities to build these skills and feel comfortable using them. 

• Men are less likely to seek mental health treatment 

Depression and poor mental health are most common in emotionally restrictive men. Unrealistic standards for masculinity and the resulting low moods and self-image can have a reciprocal relationship that keeps men from seeking treatment. 

• Men’s support networks often shrink with age 

Men’s relationships are often situational, for instance, related to their job or a hobby. As they mature past school age and their lives change, they may lose their more superficial friendships. 

Staying connected on social media isn’t quite the same as hanging out in person. With the challenges addressed in the previous sections, many men aren’t able to maintain a strong support network.

• Loneliness is a significant health risk for men 

Lack of social contact can cause health problems for people of any gender. Because men may feel increasingly lonely with age, the combination of loneliness and health concerns may lead to more immediate consequences. Men who are lonely may be more likely to develop certain types of cancer and have a shorter life expectancy due to their condition.

Healthy ways men can address feelings of loneliness, especially on Father’s Day

It takes courage to start the conversation and let someone know you’re feeling down or alone. The good news is that it gets easier with practice. 

Men can start with small steps, like texting a friend about a common interest. Then they might work up to making plans or confiding in a trusted friend or family member. 

On Father’s Day, men can care for themselves by removing some of the pressure to have a perfect father-son relationship. If you’re likely to be triggered by social media posts or Father’s Day ads, plan ahead to put your phone down. 

You might take some time out for an activity that puts you at ease, like playing a sport or going fishing, and pay attention to the feelings that come up. Whatever happens, meet yourself with compassion and acceptance. 

At Lightfully, we offer personalized mental health treatment that’s approachable for men. We talk in terms of core life processes such as your thoughts, feelings, behaviors and emotions. Not clinical jargon or buzzwords.

Are you a man who’s ready to break through the stereotypes and work on your mental health? Or do you have questions about seeking treatment? Let’s talk about it. Contact us today.