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Key Facts
- 1 in 4 American men under 35 report feeling lonely
- Men account for nearly 80% of U.S. suicide deaths despite being half the population
- Suicide rate among men is nearly 4x higher than among women
Summary
One in four American men under 35 report feeling lonely, and many turn to isolating online communities instead of real-world support, which is a pattern researchers at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center link to rising suicide risk and substance use among men, who account for nearly 80% of U.S. suicide deaths.
Nicholas Allan, PhD, an associate professor at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, has developed a talk therapy that treats loneliness by helping men build real, in-person connections rather than chasing quantity over quality in relationships. His work is part of the SOAR Study, a statewide initiative examining root causes of emotional distress.
A young Ohio farmer shares his story of confronting isolation alongside Dr. Allan’s research and practical advice, which bowls down to picking an activity and letting the connection follow.
