UNDERSTANDING  MEN'S HEALTH WEEK 2023

LONELINESS

UNDERSTANDING  MEN'S HEALTH WEEK 2023

LONELINESS

43%

of Australian men

feel lonely

Loneliness is a public health crisis that is only just beginning to be understood.

43%

of Australian men

feel lonely

Loneliness is a public health crisis that is only just beginning to be understood.

What is

LONELINESS?

What is

LONELINESS?

Healthy Male defines loneliness as a feeling of sadness or distress (emotional suffering) you get when your relationships with others aren’t meeting your need for personal connection. Just as hunger tells us we need food, loneliness tells us a different fundamental need is not being met.

Loneliness is a critical health issue of our time, and it appears to be getting worse. In fact, males living alone, especially those raising children, are the loneliest people in our country.

That’s why Healthy Male has targeted loneliness for this year’s Men’s Health Week campaign.

  • Page 1
  • Page 2
  • Page 3
  • Page 4
  • Complete

Take the TEST

Take the test

Are you LONELY?

Why does it MATTER?

Loneliness has a similar impact to smoking

15

CIGARETTES

a day, and can be as bad for your health as obesity, high blood pressure or not getting enough exercise.

It can also increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, depression, and anxiety.

cig

More than

2 in 5

Australian men

are lonely, and 1 in 6, aged 18+, rank loneliness among their top three health concerns.

Loneliness and social isolation are also linked with cognitive decline and risk of dementia in older adults.

Cognitive decline

Men who are lonely are

8.5x

MORE Likely

to have poor mental health, 3.9x more likely to have high stress, 1.7x more likely to have poor physical health, and 1.5x more likely to have a high work-life imbalance.

Stress

What you can DO

What you can DO

Everyone will take different approaches to overcoming, or avoiding, loneliness, but investing in your relationships with others is a good way to avoid loneliness. It’s about ‘filling your cup’ with social relationships that feel significant to you, and that are based on mutual respect, trust, interests and values. Here are some thing you can do to help you feel less lonely:

Connect with others
Connect with others

Plan a social activity with family, friends, or colleagues. Even a phone or video call can help you and others combat loneliness.

Join groups or clubs
Join groups or clubs

Look for groups or clubs that align with your interests and hobbies. This can be a great way to meet new people and engage in activities you enjoy.

Volunteer
Volunteer

Make some time in your schedule to volunteer for a cause you care about, and connect with others to feel a sense of purpose.

Seek professional help
Seek professional help

If your loneliness is persistent or overwhelming, consider talking to a mental health professional who can provide additional support and guidance.

Reach out for SUPPORT

Reach out for SUPPORT

Dealing with loneliness can be a challenging experience, but there are experts available to provide guidance and support. Remember that it's okay to acknowledge your struggles and seek help. Taking the first step can be daunting, but it's important to know that you're not alone. Chatting with your GP can be a great place to start, or you can try seeking support from specialist organisations that deal with loneliness.

Mental Health

Logo_HeadtoHealth
Head to Health

Helping people find digital mental health services from trusted mental health organisations across Australia.
 
Logo_OpenArms
Open Arms

Mental health support for Navy, Army and Air Force personnel, veterans and their families. 24/7 phone number: 1800 011 046
Logo_RelationshipsAustralia
Relationships Australia

A leading provider of relationship guidance and support services for individuals, families and communities Australia-wide.
 

Community Groups

Dads Group
Dad’s Group

Promoting positive parenting for fathers and father figures, and gives new dads the support and connection they need.
Tough Guy Book Club
Tough Guy Book Club

A network of men’s book clubs in local pubs, which is all about ‘reading books, hitting the pub with the goons, and rowdy conversations.'
Austrailian-men
Men’s Shed

A national service provider that aims to bring men together to help them lead a positive lifestyle while strengthening communities.
Mens-table
The Men’s Table

A national not-for-profit that helps men build meaningful male friendships and connection by creating safe places to share, overcoming the stigma that ‘men don’t talk.’

Immediate Support

Beyond-blue
Beyond Blue

Focused on supporting people affected by anxiety, depression and suicide. 24/7 support line: 1300 22 4636
Mens-line
MensLine

Free telephone and online counselling service offering support for Australian men anywhere, anytime. 24/7 support line: 1300 789 978
Lifeline
Lifeline

Providing all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services: 13 11 14

Other RESOURCES

Other RESOURCES

If you or someone you know is experiencing loneliness, don't hesitate to seek support. Check out these valuable resources about loneliness in men for further guidance.

Understanding loneliness in men

Looking for more information about loneliness in men? Explore our comprehensive resource page for insights and guidance on overcoming loneliness and building meaningful connections.

Learn more about loneliness
Resources for health professionals

Digital assets that can be used in the lead-up to and during Men’s Health Week 2023. Download and share these assets on your website and social media, and in your e-newsletters, to help spread awareness.

Download resource pack
What is loneliness? Watch our video

Watch our campaign video for insights on how loneliness affects men in Australia and its impact on their mental and physical health and wellbeing.

Watch on YouTube
Ending Loneliness Together

A searchable national database launched in March 2023 with more than 1,000 organisations, groups and services who provide opportunities for connection and support for people experiencing loneliness.

Go to website
scroll-to-top

 

UNDERSTANDING  MEN'S HEALTH WEEK 2023

LONELINESS

AdobeStock_161977842_Gradient
AdobeStock_271452252_Gradient
AdobeStock_577856498_Gradient
yingchou-han-IJrIeCs3D4g-unsplash_Gradient
irene-strong-v2aKnjMbP_k-unsplash_Gradient
hayes-potter