A recent Movember survey found that 74% of U.S. women and 63% of men said society should talk more about men’s mental health challenges.
Here at Movember, we love talking about challenges, and more importantly, about possible solutions. That includes working alongside men to improve their mental health. After all, healthier men mean healthier families and communities.
Around the globe, the prevalence of poor mental health among men is increasing. Complex and interrelated factors may be contributing to this, including social, economic, and commercial determinants of mental health, such as:
- Relationship shifts, family environment, evolving norms, education, health and lifestyle, experiences of abuse or neglect, bullying and cyberbullying, and the role of social media
- Labor and housing markets, socio-economic disadvantage and inequality, climate change, and political factors (including declining social capital)
- The direct and indirect effects of harmful commodities, like tobacco, alcohol, and ultra-processed foods
In the face of this long list of contributing factors, it can feel overwhelming to know where to begin or how to respond to the growing mental health crisis facing men in the United States. However, individuals and communities can take action to turn the tide.
The importance of healthy relationships
Relationships matter, and they sit within men and their communities’ control to improve mental health across the country.
Healthy relationships are essential to living in good physical and mental health. They help prevent poor mental health from occurring as well as provide a point of connection when things get tough.
In a compelling social experiment conducted by social psychologists at the University of Virginia, researchers found that the presence of a close friend can significantly alter our perception of challenges. Participants asked to estimate the steepness of a hill perceived it as less daunting when accompanied by a close companion. This study highlights the profound impact close relationships have on how we experience the world, suggesting that emotional support can literally make life’s uphill battles feel less difficult.
However, across the United States, millions of men are experiencing relationship shifts, with levels of social isolation increasing. This challenge is especially pronounced among young men today.
Movember has recently undertaken further research — Young Men’s Health in a Digital World — exploring the online and offline lives of young men. This research revealed that online, men are being told they don’t need friends, with many buying into this rhetoric. Concerningly, of the group in our study who followed influencers discussing men and gender roles, 65% agreed with the statement, “I don’t need friends, as I need to focus on my success and reaching my goals.”
In the United States, findings also showed:
- 14% of young men have no close male friends, 27% have no close female friends, and 76% reported not being in a committed romantic relationship
- Of those who are single, 19% often lack companionship, 24% often feel left out, and 25% often feel isolated.
Rebuilding essential connections
So, you have a whole bunch of young guys who don’t have platonic or romantic relationships, all the while receiving mixed messages, and they’re telling us it doesn’t feel good.
We know this social disconnection is driven by a complex set of factors, including:
- Increased time spent online and a decline in community engagement
- Shrinking support networks as men age, making it harder to navigate job or relationship transitions
- Societal expectations that discourage emotional expression and vulnerability
We know many men are socially disconnected, so what can men and their supporters do to rebuild these essential connections?
There are real actions men can take to support their mental health through connection. This includes connecting with themselves, each other, and seeking support when needed:
- Themselves: Men should take a moment to genuinely check in with themselves. Ask, “When was the last time I had a meaningful conversation with someone that wasn’t about work? When was the last time I reached out to a friend?” It may be time to send a text to a friend or family member and ask them to hang out. A friend may like hearing from you just as much as you would from them — reciprocity is key.
- Buddies: A lot of men want to connect with their friends or even make new ones, but don’t know how or worry that it will feel forced. There are authentic ways to lean into this, though. Shoulder-to-shoulder activities are one great way to start. That might mean going to a local sports match and making small talk with a fellow fan, chatting online with a friend who shares your gaming interests, volunteering at your local community event, or simply asking a colleague how their weekend was. You could even join a group you come across online. You’d be surprised how many people share your interests once you start looking.
- Support: Maybe you’ve connected with yourself, reached out to a friend, and still feel just… average. It’s okay to not be okay. If that’s the case, connect with a supporter. That could be a loved one or a therapist. We know men are open to seeking help, as long as the support meets them where they’re at. Therapists need to offer men options that actually work for them.
Let’s keep the conversation going. The path to better mental health for men starts with connection — to self, to others, and to support systems that can truly help.
