Imagine the sense of joy and ease after meeting a friend for coffee or catching up over the phone. That positive feeling isn’t just in your head — research shows that friendships play a crucial role in overall health, particularly for men.
Dr. Kofi Bonnie, director of Behavioral Health at PeaceHealth, explains, “Loneliness affects everyone, but men often face greater challenges due to societal expectations of stoicism. Our culture doesn’t make it easy for men to ask for support.”
Men, on average, have shorter lifespans, and many experience increased isolation due to demanding jobs or health challenges. Since the pandemic, suicide rates have also spiked, with men disproportionately affected.
Barriers to Building and Maintaining Friendships
As life progresses, maintaining friendships can become harder. Work, family responsibilities, or health concerns might take precedence, and friendships can fade. Health conditions, hearing loss, or social discomfort may also push men into isolation.
But it’s worth the effort to make friendships a priority — not just for social fulfillment but for significant health benefits.
How Friendships Boost Health?
Surprisingly, something as simple as strong friendships can improve men’s mental and physical health. Studies show friendships can:
- Lower blood pressure
- Improve heart health
- Increase life satisfaction
- Reduce the risk of depression and anxiety
- Enhance longevity
On the other hand, isolation can have serious health consequences. Research reveals that loneliness increases the risk of early death by 26%. Social isolation has also been linked to a higher risk of conditions like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. It can even lead to poor sleep and increased inflammation.
Dr. Bonnie also points out that medications for mental health conditions can sometimes worsen feelings of isolation, particularly when they affect sexual intimacy.
How Friendships Help Combat Stress?
Friendships are more than just good company — they are powerful tools for managing stress. “Friends can be a sounding board, helping each other process life’s challenges,” says Dr. Bonnie. “Sharing concerns and receiving feedback helps men adapt to stress and improve their emotional well-being.”
If you’ve lost touch with friends, it’s never too late to reconnect. Old relationships can be rekindled, and new ones can be formed. “If you need a friend, be a friend,” Bonnie advises. “You don’t need a huge social circle — just one or two close friends can make a world of difference.”
How to Build New Friendships?
While school or work might naturally foster friendships, making new friends as an adult can seem daunting. However, there are plenty of opportunities to meet new people. Here are some ideas to help you expand your social network:
- Engage in hobbies you love and find people with similar interests
- Join a gym or fitness class
- Attend a place of worship
- Visit local libraries or community centers
- Volunteer for causes you care about
- Take a class at a community college
- Join a book club or other interest-based group
If you feel out of practice, classic advice from Dale Carnegie’s “How to Win Friends and Influence People” might help. Simple tips like showing genuine interest in others, smiling, remembering people’s names, and being a good listener can go a long way.
Nurturing and Maintaining Friendships
Building friendships is one thing, but maintaining them is just as important. Luckily, it doesn’t take much time to stay connected. Here are some easy ways to keep in touch:
- Meet up for coffee, a walk, or a game once a month
- Call or text every week or two
- Send periodic emails to check in
- Mail a card for special occasions
- Share a book, video, or article that your friend might enjoy
While social media can help you stay in touch, it’s no substitute for real-life interactions. Face-to-face or voice-to-voice connections provide deeper emotional benefits.
If you’re looking for more ways to strengthen your relationships, consider speaking with a primary care provider or counselor. Building meaningful friendships can significantly boost your mental and physical health — and the effort is well worth it.
Source: https://www.peacehealth.org/healthy-you/why-making-and-keeping-friends-important-mens-health