Navigating isolation: The impact of social distancing on men’s mental health: before, during and after COVID-19

Abstract

This dissertation looks at the influence social distancing had on men’s mental health before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. It is shown that men’s mental health is understudied, and that society is unaware of how vital it is to spread awareness on this public issue. Throughout, researching this topic it is highlighted that different types of psychological disorders are experienced by men, but also by certain demographics of men including elderly, adolescents, single men and different ethnicities. The significant effects of social distancing on men's mental health prior to, during, and following the COVID-19 epidemic are examined in this dissertation. Based on a thorough analysis of the body of research, the study looks at how social isolation and shifting social norms affected men's psychological health in three different stages: before the pandemic, during the epidemic, and during the recovery period that followed. The study looks at how men's reactions to loneliness are influenced by social ties, mental health stigma, and masculinity standards. It also draws attention to the difficulties that other male demographic groups, such as unmarried males, the elderly, and those without jobs, face. This research also assesses the long-term psychological effects of enforced social separation, the difficulties in obtaining conventional help, and the efficacy of digital mental health therapies. The study highlights important support system deficiencies and provides policy suggestions for creating focused, gender-sensitive mental health initiatives by synthesizing the literature in the fields of health, psychology, and social care. In the end, this study advances our knowledge of the relationship among social isolation, masculinity, and mental health in order to guide future treatments that promote men's mental health both during and after crises. As well as this it highlights the strengths and limitations that are shown in other studies and theories for men's mental health and the importance of acknowledging men’s wellbeing.