subject: Dealing With Loneliness In Men [print this page] With the ability to affect both women and men, loneliness is a powerful emotional force indeed. Although traditionally-and inaccurately-ascribed only to women, loneliness can actually affect men as well...and often does. Men are also affected by loneliness to a similar degree and frequency as women.
Of course men aren't as likely to cop to loneliness as women are for any number of reasons. You are more likely to hear about women being lonely than to hear about episodes of loneliness in men. This is pretty much the same for every other emotional issue, since men have traditionally been brought up to quash their emotions. Granted, things are changing a bit and more and more men are now exercising their right to express their emotions just like women. However, it seems that we still have a long way to go as a society before the majority of men readily admit to loneliness and other emotions. As with other emotions, men and loneliness just don't seem to go together for many people.
In any case, loneliness in men is a common condition, and the results can be just as devastating as they are in women. Issues of temporary loneliness are most frequent, although these are usually resolved easily with the return of companionship. It is the long term and deeper seated feelings of loneliness in men that are more a cause for concern.
As a typical reaction to loneliness, men and women automatically seek comfort in the company of others. In most cases, this is enough to dispel the feelings of loneliness, although such solutions aren't always available or feasible. Furthermore, some men may also feel that companionship alone is not enough to fill the void inside, and loneliness goes on unabated even though the person suffering from it is surrounded by people.
There are many reasons why that particular emotion is felt by men. Loneliness can be the result of an innate feeling of isolation from the rest of the world, due to ideology, religion, interests, or simply lifestyle choices. Not to generalize but men and loneliness are often constant companions in situations wherein the sufferer is displaced from his accustomed environment. Soldiers assigned to far-off places are often prone to loneliness even if they are constantly in the company of their fellow soldiers. And of course men in prison are apt to suffer from a severe degree of loneliness as well.
Chronic cases of loneliness in men can lead to depression or may actually be a symptom of depression. Loneliness and depression often go hand in hand, although not all men who are loneliness are depressed. Long lasting and repeated episodes of loneliness may lead to a host of severe mental and emotional issues, so steps should be taken in order to help the sufferer deal with the situation. When it comes to loneliness, men are just as likely to be affected adversely as women, so care must be taken that the situation be addressed as soon as possible.
