Most of us experience feelings of loneliness and isolation in our lives. They may visit us sporadically and pass as quickly as they came or stick with us for a longer period of time. Loneliness can be considered a common phenomenon, particularly in Finland, where it has traditionally been seen as a threat to people’s wellbeing. What’s more, many modern phenomena, such as the after-effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, have intensified the challenges caused by loneliness (THL, 2022). In the social sciences, loneliness is described as an emotion that stems from an individual’s lack of interpersonal relationships (Saari, 2016, 10). Loneliness and social isolation often cause painful and uncomfortable feelings. Still, loneliness is more than just a negative emotional state. It can be caused by – or be the cause of – various problems related to an individual’s wellbeing and health. It can also be the driving force behind an individual’s willingness or unwillingness to seek help from different services (ibid., 10). On the other hand, loneliness and experiences of social isolation are not the same as being alone. Being alone can be a conscious choice and a welcome state of being as well as a source of enjoyment. A crucial point is that feelings of loneliness or any other feelings do not define our lives.
Loneliness and social isolation can affect anyone
Loneliness and social isolation are not limited to the experience of the individual, and loneliness can affect people of any age. You can experience feelings of loneliness and isolation in all stages of life and under various circumstances. Changes and so-called transition points in life can predispose a person to loneliness (Tiilikainen, 2016, 148). Nor is it uncommon that those who have a lot of social contacts feel lonely as well. It is a matter of being seen, heard, and understood.
Gender is not a protective factor against loneliness. Men’s social networks are often different from those of women both in number and kind, which can hinder attempts to help them overcome loneliness. Men’s social relationships tend to revolve around practical activities and shared interests rather than conversations. Some men find it difficult to open up about their personal challenges, and some have no close friends to begin with. It does not help that, often in an attempt to spare others the burden of their troubles, men tend to seek help only after their problems have grown to uncontrollable proportions. On the other hand, not all men consider loneliness or talking about loneliness a problem. However, especially in times of crisis, problems can affect some men more than others. Moreover, there are not many forms of support targeted specifically to men.
Loneliness is a threat to your wellbeing
Feelings of loneliness and isolation may have concrete effects on an individual’s health and quality of life. Even though the standard of living has steadily increased in Finland, this increase is not reflected in how individuals rate the quality of their lives. Loneliness is one suggested explanation for this trend. (Saari, 2016, 9–10.) Therefore, the effects of loneliness should not be downplayed. According to studies, loneliness and social isolation are linked to health problems (Elovainio & Komulainen, 2023, 571), and loneliness increases the risk of various illnesses and premature death (Kauhanen, 2016, 112). It can also affect an individual’s mental wellbeing, causing anxiety and depression, for example (ibid., 113).
How we can help
Our project offers men a chance to discuss their lives and their experiences of loneliness and social isolation one on one with a counselor and in a group setting with peers. The goal is to help the participants find ways to increase a sense of belonging, a sense that they can make a difference in their lives, do things they find important and meaningful, and feel like they are a part of a community.
Together with our project employees, men can delve deeper into their individual experiences and discover the obstacles to their wellbeing. Reflecting on how they can regain a sense of agency over their lives and start to take steps forward despite their challenges supports the participants’ sense of belonging. Informed by a male-specific approach, the peer group process allows men to support each other in coping with feelings of loneliness and feeling more secure in social interactions. Furthermore, the goal is to reduce the stigma attached to loneliness and lower the threshold for seeking help. Men are encouraged to see peer support as a valuable resource and recognize their own ability to support other men.
Sources
Elovainio, M. & Komulainen, K. (2023). Yksinäisyys, sosiaalinen eristäytyneisyys ja terveys. Duodecim 139 (7), 571–576. https://www.duodecimlehti.fi/xmedia/duo/duo17628.pdf.
Kauhanen, J. 2016. Yksinäisen terveys. In J. Saari (editor), Yksinäisten Suomi. (96–113). Helsinki: Gaudeamus.
Saari, J. 2016. Aluksi: Matkalla yksinäisyyteen. In J. Saari (editor), Yksinäisten Suomi. (9–32). Helsinki: Gaudeamus.
THL (2022). Laaja tutkimusaineisto: Korona-ajan poikkeukselliset rajoitukset koettelivat nuoria – yksinäisyys lisääntyi ja osallisuus heikkeni. Helsinki: Terveyden ja hyvinvoinnin laitos. Accessed 13.8.2024 osoitteesta https://thl.fi/-/laaja-tutkimusaineisto-korona-ajan-poikkeukselliset-rajoitukset-koettelivat-nuoria-yksinaisyys-lisaantyi-ja-osallisuus-heikkeni.
Tiilikainen, E. 2016. Polkuja yksinäisyyteen. In J. Saari (editor), Yksinäisten Suomi. (129–148). Helsinki: Gaudeamus.
