Ohio State working to solve loneliness epidemic among men

Jessi Turnure:
Living off the land isn't just a profession, but a legacy for Cameron Corns. His family's roots on this Ohio farm date back to the 1800s.

Cameron Corns:
This is everything to me.

Jessi Turnure:
To build his dream life, the 31-year-old has sacrificed connections with friends.

Cameron Corns:
There's no farmer's convention down the street just hanging out.

Jessi Turnure:
Surrounded by his family, Corns still feels lonely sometimes.

Cameron Corns:
Not really sure where to even begin the connection.

Jessi Turnure:
At the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Dr. Nicholas Allan provides help to many young men who seek connection online rather than in person.

Nicholas Allan, PhD:
There's a male loneliness epidemic. You'll hear men able to admit it, but they struggle to go out there and actually get the help that they need.

Jessi Turnure:
Dr. Allan's mental health research studies often find too many young men prioritize quantity over quality in relationships.

Nicholas Allan, PhD:
You can be lonely in a room full of people, and you can be alone and not lonely at all.

[Text on screen: Join a community sports team.
Volunteer to work on a neighbor's home project.
Listen to live music.
Connection may soon follow.]

Jessi Turnure:
Dr. Allan recommends young men start by choosing an activity they enjoy. Join a community sports team. Volunteer to work on a neighbor's home project. Listen to live music. Then, the conversation and connection may soon follow.

Nicholas Allan, PhD:
It is, in fact, probably one of the most difficult things that a man could do.

Jessi Turnure:
For Corns, he feels more connected since meeting other dads through his kids' activities.

Cameron Corns:
It's been helpful, honestly, to be able to get out. I'm looking forward to it a lot more.

Jessi Turnure:
At the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, I'm Jessi Turnure.