I have friends, why do I still feel lonely!?
If you pay any form of attention to public health messaging or the social determinants of health you have probably heard some scary statistics about men’s mental health. Reports suggest that men, especially in the United States, are experiencing a social epidemic of loneliness. Studies also find, that men are reporting higher rates of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and are dying at a much higher rate by suicide and overdose. Though we cannot directly link loneliness or social isolation to these human experiences, its likely a factor for many men that their lack of social connection and belonging contributes to these factors of despair. It is known secret that humans are social creatures and often times find ourselves thriving in social settings. Studies have often linked strong social connections to positive health outcomes in every area of health, lower rates of substance use, higher paying salaries, and more fulfilled and happy marriages. So if we know that social connection is inevitably needed to live our best lives, why are we finding men more lonely now than ever?
We believe the answer is not one dimensional but a huge factor is the reduction of involvement in social clubs, fraternities, and brotherhoods. You can trace back time and find examples of men's groups throughout all of our history, from hunter societies, to occupational groups that involved mentorship and apprenticing like stone masons, to faith based communities, and of course gathering clubs likes Rotary or Elks. But these clubs are quickly dissolving, and men are also not engaging nearly as much as they used to. Not to the fault of men though, society has staked a much higher claim on our time. From financial pressures and work responsibilities, home life responsibilities, and other restraints, we see that men are engaging in club like activity far less than any time in the past, which results in what we fear the most, a lack of brotherhood and connection.
This is why we built ManScouts! A place where men can be men, be brothers, be curious adventurers, and find solace knowing they have a place to be with friends to enjoy activities we share interests around. ManScouts is your blend of club, brotherhood, social and emotional and personal growth space, while we adventure into amazing places together to take on the challenging of outdoorsmanship. At ManScouts we believe men have a place to learn and grow and witness their fullest potential, not just alongside one another, but because of one another. We know we dont grow in a vacuum, and we know that when we are around people who inspire us, makes us laugh, give us hope, guidance and acceptance, men will ultimately feel valued and worthy. ManScous provides a place for brothers to connect, to contribute, and to reach their full potential.
If you feel like you may be just missing a place to be yourself, a place where you can walk a path alongside others, a place that will help you feel valued for all that you bring to the table, consider joining ManScouts today.
