Male Loneliness: 'In 2021, 449 Irish people died by suicide, and 80 per cent of those deaths were men. The male suicide rate in Ireland is 14.9 per 100,000, which is four times the rate of suicide by women. Although there are always systemic reasons that affect loneliness and mental health, for men, making and keeping meaningful friendships could literally save their lives.
Part of this male friendship deficit problem is that we don’t teach young men how to prioritise their friendships or how to deepen existing friendships. While young boys often create strong connections with their playmates and are openly affectionate with each other, the closeness of these connections can drop off during adolescence and early adulthood – right when young men are undergoing shifts in identity and autonomy and need support and understanding the most.'
Part of this male friendship deficit problem is that we don’t teach young men how to prioritise their friendships or how to deepen existing friendships. While young boys often create strong connections with their playmates and are openly affectionate with each other, the closeness of these connections can drop off during adolescence and early adulthood – right when young men are undergoing shifts in identity and autonomy and need support and understanding the most.'
