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News Release

INTERVIEWS: Loneliness A Growing Concern During Men's Mental Health Month - 06/24/26

PORTLAND, Ore. (June 24, 2026) ~ Loneliness is an increasingly urgent health concern for younger adult men, yet it remains one of the least discussed topics during Men's Health Month. While conditions like heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and erectile dysfunction often take center stage, social isolation is emerging as a critical factor affecting both mental and physical health.

As male social circles continue to shrink, research shows only 27% of men report having six close friends, about half the number reported 30 years ago. At the same time, loneliness has been linked to higher risks of depression, anxiety, and chronic health conditions, raising questions about how men can build meaningful connections and improve overall well-being.

"Loneliness isn’t just an emotional experience. It has real consequences for both mental and physical health," said Dr. Anna Skosireva, a psychiatrist with Kaiser Permanente Northwest. "We're seeing more younger men experiencing isolation but not talking about it. Building connection can start small, whether that's reaching out to someone you trust or finding ways to engage with others regularly."

Kaiser Permanente Northwest encourages men to prioritize connection as part of their health by maintaining relationships, trying new social activities, and seeking support when needed. Raising awareness and reducing stigma around loneliness can help men lead healthier, more connected lives.

Interviews available:

Dr. Anna Skosireva, psychiatrist with Kaiser Permanente Northwest, is available for interviews on Thursday, June 25 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Contact Karen Vitt to schedule.

Dr. Skosireva is available to discuss:

  • Why loneliness is increasing among younger adult men
  • The connection between loneliness, mental health, and chronic disease
  • Common barriers that prevent men from seeking connection
  • Practical ways to build and maintain social relationships
  • When to seek support from a mental health professional

About Kaiser Permanente 

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America's leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.9 million members in 9 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, go to about.kp.org. 

INTERVIEWS: Loneliness A Growing Concern During Men's Mental Health Month - 06/24/26

PORTLAND, Ore. (June 24, 2026) ~ Loneliness is an increasingly urgent health concern for younger adult men, yet it remains one of the least discussed topics during Men's Health Month. While conditions like heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and erectile dysfunction often take center stage, social isolation is emerging as a critical factor affecting both mental and physical health.

As male social circles continue to shrink, research shows only 27% of men report having six close friends, about half the number reported 30 years ago. At the same time, loneliness has been linked to higher risks of depression, anxiety, and chronic health conditions, raising questions about how men can build meaningful connections and improve overall well-being.

"Loneliness isn’t just an emotional experience. It has real consequences for both mental and physical health," said Dr. Anna Skosireva, a psychiatrist with Kaiser Permanente Northwest. "We're seeing more younger men experiencing isolation but not talking about it. Building connection can start small, whether that's reaching out to someone you trust or finding ways to engage with others regularly."

Kaiser Permanente Northwest encourages men to prioritize connection as part of their health by maintaining relationships, trying new social activities, and seeking support when needed. Raising awareness and reducing stigma around loneliness can help men lead healthier, more connected lives.

Interviews available:

Dr. Anna Skosireva, psychiatrist with Kaiser Permanente Northwest, is available for interviews on Thursday, June 25 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Contact Karen Vitt to schedule.

Dr. Skosireva is available to discuss:

  • Why loneliness is increasing among younger adult men
  • The connection between loneliness, mental health, and chronic disease
  • Common barriers that prevent men from seeking connection
  • Practical ways to build and maintain social relationships
  • When to seek support from a mental health professional

About Kaiser Permanente 

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America's leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.9 million members in 9 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, go to about.kp.org.