Understanding loneliness in young adults and how to tackle it
Technology has forever changed the way we communicate. We now have the capacity to connect with our loved ones constantly throughout the day, picking up the phone whenever we feel we need someone to talk to.
But does this ability for instant communication really bring us closer together? Does it translate to a meaningful connection?
You might expect the most digitally connected people – our younger generations – to be less lonely than other age groups. But research suggests otherwise.
A shocking 30% of young Americans aged between 18 and 34 experience feelings of loneliness every day, while 25% of teens from the ages of 15 to 18 express feeling “very lonely”.
Unfortunately, despite endless opportunities for digital communication, we are very much in the throes of an isolation epidemic.
What is the cause of loneliness in these younger age groups?
Young people – perhaps now more than ever – have a lot to deal with.
Adolescence can be a uniquely challenging time for young people. Between navigating hormonal changes, growing up, and discovering who you are while being acutely aware of your peers, making genuine social connections can be difficult.
And with social media playing such a large role in teenagers’ lives, the desire to “fit in” or conform to peer pressure is at an all-time crippling high. Finding yourself on the outside of social circles in the digital age is an exceptionally isolating experience.
Teenagers transitioning into young adulthood face another set of life changes that can contribute to loneliness. Leaving their hometown for college, starting a new job, or having friends move away – all of these can isolate them from their existing supports and make it difficult for them to create new ones, even with online socialization.
The COVID-19 pandemic impacted younger generations the most in terms of social isolation. School and college students were forced to study at home, losing access to natural and incredibly important in-person social connections.
It’s unfortunate, but inevitable, that this separation from their peers would have an impact on some young people’s confidence and ability to interact with others on a personal, social level, beginning the tricky cycle of loneliness.
The impact of loneliness on mental health
Loneliness wasn’t always viewed as seriously as it is today, but thankfully, that attitude is changing. In fact, the World Health Organization recognizes loneliness as being as detrimental to health as smoking.
Prolonged feelings of loneliness can lead to a variety of mental health issues, particularly anxiety and depression, that can manifest in low self-esteem.
Living with anxiety and depression in itself can be incredibly isolating, creating a vicious cycle that becomes harder to break over time, as loneliness worsens mental health, and struggling with mental health issues makes it even harder to connect with peers and ease the loneliness.
It’s also important to consider the risk factors associated with low self-esteem. Young people who are living with low self-esteem are more at risk of entering toxic or abusive relationships, especially those already vulnerable due to loneliness.
Related: What do do if your child is having suicidal thoughts
Low self-esteem combined with depression and anxiety can also lead to suicidal thoughts and behaviors. If you or a loved one are feeling suicidal, call our 24-hour Emergency Line at (757) 925-2484.
Living with chronic stress caused by poor mental health leads to higher levels of cortisol in the bloodstream. Cortisol directly impacts your physical health by reducing your body’s ability to lose weight, affecting sleep quality, and weakening your immune system, putting you at greater risk of harmful illnesses and conditions like high blood pressure and heart disease.
Advice for lonely young adults to combat loneliness
Everyone experiences feelings of loneliness at some point in their lives. But as we’ve seen, feeling lonely for prolonged periods of time can be detrimental and even dangerous.
Here’s our professional advice for young people – and people of different age groups – who are feeling lonely.
- Limit time spent online: Social media is a fun way to connect with friends online. But spending too much time online can increase isolation and loneliness. Instead, focus on building social relationships in your real life and integrating yourself into a community that makes you feel comfortable and safe.
- Get involved in hobbies: Joining social clubs or team sports is an excellent way to meet new people and form a meaningful social connection with like-minded folks. Whether you’re interested in the arts or outdoor activities, find something in your local community and get involved!
- Be kind to yourself: Feeling lonely can cast a negative cloud of judgment over your view of yourself. Remember that these are just feelings, and that they’re temporary. Have self-compassion and remind yourself that you’re not alone, and you’re doing your very best.
- Reach out to a loved one: When you’re in the depths of loneliness, it can sometimes feel like you have no one to turn to. But that’s not true. There are people in your life that love and care about you. If you’re feeling low or are experiencing depressive symptoms, reach out to a friend or family member for support.
- Find meaning in your life: Sometimes, feeling lonely can also stem from feeling unhappy and unsettled in yourself. It helps to find meaning not only in your social connections, but also in your individual life. Do things that bring you joy: practice self-care, learn a new skill, or simply spend more time doing what you love.
- Seek professional help: Never be afraid to ask for the help you need. Whether you feel you need formal or informal help, reaching out is a sign of strength and self-love. Our kind and caring team offers professional counseling services and therapy for young people battling loneliness and other mental health problems.
Western Tidewater CSB: Supporting young people in Suffolk, VA since 1971
When it comes to your mental health, you never have to walk alone.
Make an appointment online today for same-day access to our mental health services or simply give us a call at 757-758-5106. A friendly member of our team will be there to help you get started.