Hey guys, this is Ishan, your host, and today we’re delving into a critical topic affecting 33% of the global population, and most of the people suffering from it are either young adults or teenagers.
A survey by Eurofound says that 32% of young adults in Europe are dealing with loneliness. Not only in Europe but also in the US, New Zealand, and countries like India, where collectivism is at its roots, people are struggling with the same issue.
But why is it happening, and how to deal with it? That is what this video is all about.
Before diving into the solution first let’s understand loneliness and its types.
According to Wikipedia, Loneliness is an unpleasant emotional response to perceived isolation. Loneliness is also described as social pain – a psychological mechanism that motivates individuals to seek social connections.
It is classified into different types, the main two being: Social Loneliness and Emotional Loneliness.
Social loneliness is for people who struggle to make connections, are not talkative, and live in isolation without strong friendships.
On the other hand, those dealing with emotional loneliness have friends and family but struggle to express their feelings, fearing judgment, leading to emotional trauma. And this type is what most of the youngsters are dealing with right now.
The rise of loneliness isn’t a recent issue. While people from ancient times also suffered from it, the percentage has spiked recently, especially among the youth.
The reason behind it is social media addiction, it was supposed to connect us, but the sad reality is that it often does the opposite.
Platforms like Instagram and TikTok showcase glamorous lives, creating a race where everyone tries to portray their best selves. This has led to weakened emotional bonds with friends and family, resulting in emotional loneliness.
Another significant factor is the COVID-19 pandemic, with global lockdowns lasting for 1 or 2 years. While it helped us adapt to technology, it also disrupted the socialization crucial for youngsters and forced them to attend online classes, missing out on real friendships.
According to research in the UK, a study conducted on 48 young participants, helped them to find various reasons people feel lonely, including feeling disconnected, attempting to fit into a group by being someone else, lack of attention and care, and a sense of not mattering to others.
It also came to know how social media often magnifies the achievements of others, leaving individuals feeling they are not good enough.
The consequences of loneliness are severe, impacting mental and physical health. From low self-esteem, and sleeping problems to cardiovascular diseases and even suicide.
Loneliness is a global problem, and it’s time we address it seriously. Individual efforts and government initiatives are crucial in combating this issue.
If you’re dealing with loneliness, try to limit social media use, build real bonds with family and friends, and share your feelings.
If uncomfortable, consider consulting a psychologist – They do not just treat those with mental disorders but can provide valuable guidance for overcoming loneliness.
However, the challenge is many countries lack accessible psychiatrists, and consultation fees are often high. Governments should recognize loneliness as a critical issue, allocate affordable psychiatrists, and run campaigns to destigmatize seeking help.
And there you have it, but before leaving I want to ask you what are your thoughts on dealing with loneliness. Let me know in the comments below.
Also if you want to know how the governments of different countries came together to save Earth from climate threats then check out this post, I will meet you over there.