Hidden reasons for young adult loneliness

Table of Content

• What is loneliness?

• Why do we feel loneliness?

• Cause of loneliness in young adults

• Impact of loneliness

• Take-home points

• FAQs on loneliness

Introduction:

Every individual has faced loneliness in their life, major credit goes to covid-19 pandemic.

As per the survey report around 5 million Indians were suffering from loneliness during the pandemic. Many researchers have concluded loneliness is more often seen in young adults than in the old age group. Little do we know about it, but the impact of loneliness is huge.

What is loneliness?

Young people have a higher risk of loneliness, which is the reason why the risk of depression is highest in young adults.

It is a feeling of a negative emotional state, regardless of the amount of social contact. The way a young adult approaches social connections and personal connection determines the type of loneliness.

As per the studies, adults aim to make a bigger social network and neglect their emotional needs which ultimately leads to depression. Therefore, emotional loneliness intensifies among adolescents and young adults. 

It is essential to understand the impact and causes of loneliness. Some theories conclude, as per the evolution model, human beings have a universal need to belong. 

Hence being socially active is considered an essential and healthy requirement. This pressure somewhere opens the door to emotional loneliness.

 Having a balance between social and personal well-being defines one’s health.

Why do we feel loneliness?

Loneliness is a common experience; as many as 80% of those under 18 years of age and 40% of adults over 65 years of age report being lonely at least sometimes. Feeling lonely is a personal experience that is different for everyone.

Remember feeling lonely and being alone are two different terms, you may choose to be alone and live peacefully while few people find this situation a lonely experience.

When you lose social contact, you recently had a breakup, or when away from family and friends, you experience loneliness. Certainly, you do not have anyone to spend time with, though you have new friends.

Social interaction gives a sense of social well-being, it enhances the social bond that helps the survival of the human race. Where a person feels confident and invested in life but somewhere fails to recognize his/her true emotions.

 Here young adults invest more than enough to have a bigger social network and ignore their true emotions and feel lonely, especially when they are away from their loved ones.

Cause of loneliness in young adults

Loneliness is the contribution of peripheral as well as personal, and emotional effects, where people tend to ignore their emotional needs and time to understand them.

For a few people certain life events make them feel lonely.

Emotional Elements that define loneliness:

1.  Going through a breakup

2.  Starting at the university

3.  Moving to a new place, country

4.  Losing friends

5.  Chronic illness

6.  Losing social contact you had at the workplace

7.  Being a single parent

8.  Past experience of physical and sexual abuse

9.   Having a physical disability

10. Feeling worthless

11. Fear of accepting reality

Social elements that contribute to loneliness:

1.  Lack of social interaction

2.  Feeling disconnected

3.  Feeling stuck

4.  Pressure to fit in

5.  Pressure of getting accepted

6.  Cultural validation

7.  Traumatic event

8.  Pandemic or epidemic experience-(like covid-19)

9.  Social comparison-general

10. Social media validation

11.   Losing social connect

12.   Social anxiety

13.   Having insecurities

14.   New work demands

15.  Family conflict

16.   Temperament-(people who are shy, restrained)

Impact of loneliness:

One can never simplify the severity of loneliness with perfection. What you can do is manage it as early as possible.

As per the study, loneliness is a major risk factor for mortality rates in both females and male. The impact of it is visible on your physical and mental health. 

Till 2030 depression and other health problems may increase given a direct link with loneliness.

Factors that multiply your loneliness are-

·        Alcoholism

·        Smoking

·        Obesity

·        Physical inactivity

·        Social isolation

·        Cardiovascular problems

·        disturbed sleep pattern

·        Altered immunological system

Risk of loneliness on mental health -

·       Depression

·       Anxiety

·       Confusion

·       Low self-esteem

·       Overthinking

·       Personality disorder

·       Alzheimer’s disease

·       Parkinson disease

·       Suicidal thoughts

Take-home points

1.  Loneliness is very common among young adults.

2.  Every person in his/her life has experienced loneliness at least once.

3.   Maintaining a balance between social and personal life defines your health and mental peace.

4.  Never ignore any negative emotions, try to understand them and find the solution.

5.  Remember loneliness has a major impact on your life, facing the problems, and emotions are the only way to resolve it.

6.  Give time for yourself, find out what makes you happy and peaceful.