Yes, sadly, many people nowadays don't really have anyone close, which makes life harder in terms of mental health. I think there is also another aspect to it. Back in the days, there were so many more time-consuming things in the lives of most people that no one had the time to "overthink" everything. Picture a family with multiple kids and men who work long hours. There is also the aspect of physical work, which makes us too tired to think too much in the evening.

In contrast, there is the picture of a lonely modern man who couldn't find a wife and works from home on a computer. He has all the freedom but a much harder time finding happiness.