The Silent Crisis: How Loneliness is Hitting Underserved Boys Hardest

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – December 17, 2025 – A startling new report from The Humana Foundation is sounding the alarm on a quiet but pervasive public health crisis: an epidemic of loneliness among boys, particularly those from marginalized communities. The report, titled “Strengthening Belonging for Underserved Boys,” argues that this profound sense of isolation is a critical threat to emotional health and long-term resilience, demanding a fundamental shift in how society supports its male youth.

Drawing on national data, including a Gallup poll which found that one in four American males aged 15 to 34 reported feeling lonely “a lot” the previous day, the foundation paints a grim picture. This issue is especially acute for boys from racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds, those in rural communities, boys who identify as LGBTQ+, and those with differing physical and mental abilities. The findings arrive at a time when the U.S. Surgeon General has already declared loneliness a national public health epidemic, linking it to increased risks of heart disease, depression, and premature death.

“Loneliness is a public health concern that affects how boys learn, connect and thrive,” said Danielle Neveles-McGrath, Chief Impact Officer of the Humana Foundation and a co-author of the report. “Our findings show that by fostering mentorship, emotional safety and community connection, we can help boys develop stronger senses of purpose and belonging that serve as protective factors through adolescence and adulthood.”

A Paradox of Pain and Silence

The report uncovers a dangerous paradox in male mental health. While boys are less likely than girls to receive a clinical diagnosis for depression, they are statistically more likely to die by suicide. This disparity persists and, in some cases, worsens for boys from underserved racial and ethnic groups. Experts suggest this gap stems from how boys are socialized to process and express emotional distress.

Instead of verbalizing feelings of sadness or anxiety, boys often exhibit “externalizing behaviors.” These can manifest as aggression, increased risk-taking, or substance use—actions that are frequently misinterpreted as disciplinary issues rather than cries for help. This misunderstanding leads to missed opportunities for intervention and perpetuates a cycle of silent suffering. The report stresses the urgent need to re-evaluate how boys' mental health is approached, diagnosed, and treated, moving beyond outdated stereotypes.

Traditional notions of masculinity often discourage emotional vulnerability, creating a culture where asking for help is seen as a sign of weakness. This pressure can be immense, forcing boys to navigate complex emotional landscapes without a map or a guide. The consequences are severe, contributing not only to the suicide crisis but also to long-term difficulties in forming healthy relationships and maintaining overall well-being.

Beyond 'Boys Don't Cry': A New Framework for Support

Challenging the status quo, the Humana Foundation’s report outlines five key actions designed to build a new infrastructure of support centered on the concept of “belonging.” These strategies aim to create environments where boys feel seen, heard, and valued.

The proposed actions include:

1. Strategic Communications: Launching educational campaigns to normalize conversations about male mental health, reduce stigma, and encourage help-seeking behaviors among boys and young men.
2. Community-Rooted Outreach: Developing programs that build lasting relationships through trusted messengers, family engagement, and local community institutions like schools and faith-based organizations.
3. Sustaining and Scaling Mentorship: Investing in mentorship initiatives, including peer-buddy systems and programs that incentivize men to serve as positive role models and mentors for boys.
4. Peer Mental Health Programs: Creating safe, peer-led spaces, such as group therapy sessions or mental health first aid training, where boys can openly discuss their challenges without fear of judgment.
5. More Research: Committing to further study to close diagnosis gaps, develop culturally inclusive screening tools, and evaluate the most effective interventions for addressing loneliness in diverse populations of boys.

These recommendations align with the work of established organizations that have long championed similar approaches. Groups like Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America have demonstrated the profound impact of consistent mentorship and safe community spaces. The report serves as both a validation of these models and a call to scale them, ensuring they are accessible to the most vulnerable youth.

A Call to Collective Action

The Humana Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Humana Inc. for over four decades, has centered its work on achieving health equity by dismantling barriers to care in underserved communities. This report represents a significant step in applying that mission to the often-invisible crisis of male youth loneliness. By framing belonging as a critical determinant of health, the foundation is urging a collective response from all sectors of society.

“This report is a call to act early to help boys feel seen, supported, and connected in ways that build healthier, more equitable futures,” stated Tiffany Benjamin, CEO of the Humana Foundation.

The document is more than an academic exercise; it is a strategic roadmap for parents, educators, healthcare providers, community leaders, and policymakers. It emphasizes that fostering emotional well-being in boys is not a secondary concern but a foundational element of building a healthier society. The success of this effort will depend on a sustained, collaborative commitment to changing the narrative around male vulnerability and investing in the social and emotional infrastructure that allows all boys to thrive. The report serves as a critical roadmap for communities seeking to build a future where no boy has to face his struggles alone.