Loneliness is killing men – and without proper support and intervention nothing will change | Xavier Mulenga

Many men are socialised to prioritise independence and stoicism, making it difficult for them to open up and form emotional connections

• The modern mind is a column where experts discuss mental health issues they are seeing in their work

Last year, I read Of Boys and Men by Richard Reeves. In his research, Reeves outlines various factors leading to boys and men feeling excluded from society and failed by various systems, whether it be education or the workforce. One section states how men struggle after divorce or relationships ending, especially if they do not find a new partner. None of this information is new, but it has made me look at the increasing referrals from men that are sent to my clinic each week.

Many men are socialised to prioritise strength, independence and stoicism, making it difficult for them to open up and form emotional connections. Many ageing men experience loneliness due to the loss of a partner and friendships. The following is an example of the kind of cases I see frequently in my clinic.