Avoid feeling lonely
Avoid feeling lonely
Vancouver Loneliness Counselling For Men
Most of us will feel alone at some point – in fact, one-third of men report they regularly feel lonely. This is due to how men have morphed from the traditional, tribal packs of our roots to the individualistic, every-man-for-themself society we live in today.
We don’t know our neighbours. Friends on social media aren’t actual connections. As we age, we lose our groups of male friends in suburbia, family life, and work, and we don’t know where to go when we feel lonely. We start feeling trapped by the constraints of modern life, and even though we might be surrounded by scores of people all the time, we struggle to find ones we can open up to. We also feel isolated because we tend not to talk about the tough stuff in our lives. Talking about sports is easier than admitting we’re anxious about our divorce. Ignoring loneliness can lead to some serious health problems, including depression, diabetes, substance abuse, and more.
Fortunately, the cure is easy. Research shows that men bond and create friendships by participating in activities together. Therapy for men can also be a powerful tool in breaking through isolation and helping men reconnect. If you feel alone, the best thing you can do for loneliness is to be comfortable with yourself, celebrate your uniqueness, and have gritty conversations that matter.
15yrs
Feeling lonely can shorten your life by 15 years.
-Scientific American
30%
30 percent of men regularly feel lonely.
– Men’s Health
2x
Men between the ages of 19-32 who spend 2 hours a day on social media are two times as likely to feel isolated.
– Men’s Health
90hrs
It takes 90 hours to spend with someone before they’re considered a friend; 200 hours before they’re considered close.
– Men’s Health
Symptoms of Feeling Lonely - Our Therapists Help
Any guy at any age can feel alone, sad, abandoned or isolated, even if they’re surrounded by people. It can occur in short-term bouts, but if the feelings of isolation continue for the long-term, it can become chronic. Here are some symptoms:
- Exhausted, burnt out
- Being homebound
- Disturbed sleep
- Weakened immune system
- Feelings of emptiness or separation
- Can’t connect on a deep level
- No close friends
- Negative thoughts, self-doubt
- Value material possessions over people