16/05/2023 / Mental Health and Wellness
You have heard 16-24 is the best age for living fully and freely, and also the age where the majority of the population experience loneliness.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
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
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.
Association of loneliness with all-cause mortality: A meta-analysis
The experience of loneliness among young people with depression
Loneliness Matters: A Theoretical and Empirical Review of Consequences and Mechanisms
1st accept the rejection and learn from what you have to improve. Communicate with your loved ones. Maintain a bond with them.
Loneliness is a way towards depression. Understand your emotions and take action as early as possible.
Loneliness is associated with mental health conditions. People with loneliness are at risk of becoming depressed.
Loneliness is associated with physical and mental conditions that include high blood pressure, obesity, anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, etc.
There is no single cause of loneliness. Loneliness is a result of life changes, living alone, having familial conflict etc.
As per the studies, loneliness triggers the release of stress hormone which is linked with severe health problems.
A- Increase your productivity.
B- Connect with your loved ones.
C- Involve in healthy activities.
D-Spend time with your friends.
Age group of 16-24 is majorly affected by loneliness.
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