Loneliness and Suicide in Men: Understanding The Connection- Suicide Prevention Month
If you are in crisis or thinking about suicide, please reach out right away. In Canada or the U.S., dial or text 988 for the Suicide Crisis Helpline. If outside North America, please look up your local emergency number or crisis line.
Loneliness Is More Than Just Being Alone
Many men think loneliness means having “no one at all.” However, the truth is that you can be surrounded by people — coworkers, family, even a partner — and still feel incredibly lonely and deeply disconnected.
Loneliness is about the absence of meaningful connection. The absence of connecting with people who mean something to you. And when men carry this silently, it can become a risk factor for self-harm.
Why Men Drift Into Loneliness
As boys, friendships often come naturally through school, sports, and other extracurricular activities. But as boys age into men, connections start to fade. Work takes over, relationships end, and priorities shift in significant ways. Slowly, the circle shrinks, and the convenience factor that can accompany so many friendships can disappear.
Some more common reasons for disconnection include:
Work–home–repeat: No time or energy left for friendships.
Surface-only connections: People know the “public version” of you, not the real you, which can have something to do with… (the next one)
Shame about opening up: Fear that talking about struggles makes you “weak.”
Isolation through coping: Turning to alcohol, screens, or work instead of people.
Low self-esteem: Believing you’re not interesting, worthy, or “enough” to maintain close friendships.
These patterns can leave men feeling invisible, or worse – repulsive. And when loneliness deepens into hopelessness, suicidal thoughts often follow.
How Loneliness Fuels Suicide Risk
Loneliness creates dangerous beliefs:
“Nobody would notice if I disappeared.”
“I’m a burden.”
“It’s easier not to be here.”
They’re better off without me.
These aren’t truths — they’re symptoms of disconnection, shame, and broader mental health challenges. But in silence, they feel real. But just because they feel real does not mean they are real.
What Connection Looks Like
Connection doesn’t mean having dozens of friends. It means having people who:
See the real you, not just the surface version.
Will be there for you when you need them.
Give you space to be honest about struggles.
Even one meaningful connection can shift the weight.
How Therapy Helps
Therapy offers a safe place to connect in a meaningful way.
You don’t have to hide or perform. We would rather you showed us the real you. 🙂
You can explore the thoughts and beliefs that keep you distant.
You learn new ways to open up, step into friendships, and rebuild support.
It’s not about fixing you. It’s about helping you feel less alone — and giving you tools and willingness to create connection outside of therapy too. So that you can live a life with more purpose, meaning, vitality, and self-acceptance.
If You’re Struggling With Loneliness Right Now
Take one small step: Send a text, grab a coffee, or say yes to one invite this week.
Join something ongoing: A gym, a rec league, or a hobby group. Shared activity makes connection easier.
Try therapy: It’s a safe place to talk honestly and start building back a connection.
Loneliness doesn't mean something is wrong with you, or that you're unworthy — it means you’re human. When loneliness goes unspoken, it can become dangerous over time.
👉 If you’ve been carrying loneliness in silence, know this: you don’t have to feel this way forever. Meaningful connection is possible, and therapy can be the first step toward building it and feeling it.
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📍 At Pursuit Counselling & Therapy, we specialize in men’s mental health across Ontario—giving men a practical, supportive space to heal and grow.
