

The Hidden Tragedy of Male Loneliness
Dec 21, 2020
Thomas Joiner, a clinical psychologist and author, dives deep into the critical issue of male loneliness and its alarming link to higher suicide rates among men. He explains how societal pressures lead men to prioritize work over relationships, worsening their sense of isolation, especially in middle age. Joiner distinguishes between subjective and objective loneliness and offers insights on how social media can both connect and isolate. He emphasizes actionable strategies for men to cultivate meaningful relationships and balance work with socializing to combat loneliness.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Desire vs. Action in Suicide
- There's a significant difference between the desire for suicide and acting on it.
- Thinking about suicide is relatively common, but acting on it, especially lethally, is rare.
Interpersonal Theory of Suicide
- The interpersonal theory of suicide suggests that desire stems from feeling alienated and like a burden.
- Capability arises from fearlessness, pain tolerance, and familiarity with suicidal methods.
Male Loneliness and Suicide
- Men, despite often holding higher social status and financial security, are disproportionately affected by suicide.
- This apparent paradox highlights the hidden costs of prioritizing work over relationships.