Why do more young people feel lonely and how to overcome it?

“The feeling of loneliness does not necessarily mean physical insulation. A person may be surrounded by a community, but not to be heard or understood. This is especially true for young people who are still creating their identity and looking for a place in the world, ”said Mykolas Kriščiūnas, the head of Kaunas Line, Kaunas unit.

Digital era: more connections, less closeness

Social networks have become an integral part of everyday life and seem to be in touch, but often they are just encouraging the feeling of loneliness among young people, experts note.

“Young people see idealized lives every day – regular trips, parties, smiles and success. It can create a false impression that everyone else lives a full -fledged, interesting life, and their own reality is not that meaningful or interesting. Social networks shape the pressure to look happy, to be active, but in fact many feel distracted, misunderstood and isolated, ”said Sandra Bernotaitė, Head of Communications at Youth Line.

She points out that virtual communication in the digital space changes relationships and is often limited to superficial contact. “Short answers, reactions, memes and disappearing messages in seconds cannot change a live conversation where body language, emotion and real communication are important. Therefore, even with hundreds of friends on social networks, a young person can feel lonely because of a deeper connection, ”she noted.

Photo by Sender Senders

First aid is to notice

One of the most important steps to overcome loneliness is to recognize and name your feelings. “When a person realizes that he feels lonely, he is already taking the first step towards change. Emotions are not an enemy – they are a signal of our needs. It is important to allow yourself to feel, understand what is missing and to accept it as a natural process, ”said the psychologist.

Long -term loneliness often stems from a lack of social relationships, but that does not mean that the decision is always simple. “The need for human connection is different – one needs a large group of friends, another needs a few close relationships. Sometimes the feeling that you are single is not because of the lack of friends, but because the relationships are not satisfied, ”he observes.

If the feeling of loneliness goes on and begins to interfere with everyday life, causes anxiety or sense of hopelessness, it is worth looking for emotional support. “If a person feels as if no one cares, he can no longer enjoy the activities of previously favorite activities, concentrate or constantly feel fatigue, the signs that help is needed. It is important to realize that applying for support is not a sign of strength but strength, ”said M. Kriščiūnas.

It is not easy to overcome but possible

Loneliness is not a problem to endure alone – the most important thing is not to do it quietly, experts advise. Everyone can find a way to create and nurture relationships with others.

According to the psychologist, it is important to take active steps – joining communities, participating in activities that naturally encourage communication. “Volunteering, sport, cultural or academic activities help to meet like -minded people, establish new relationships. It is also very important to develop social skills – the ability to listen, show interest in another person, to support the conversation. Not only does it help to establish new acquaintances, it also helps to strengthen the relationship we have already available, ”he said.

The specialist notes that a sense of loneliness can grow if a person stays in his own thoughts for a long time and does not look for opportunities to communicate. Sometimes even a small step – going to an event, joining a conversation, or even a simple walk with a friend – can help you feel a greater connection to the environment and reduce the feeling of loneliness.

Those around you can also help young people who are loneliness, show concern and give room to talk. « It is important not only to ask the question 'how do you feel?', But also to listen to the answer sincerely. A common mistake is to try to give advice, to force people or to underestimate feelings. Instead, it is better to show that you are near, that a person is not alone, and if he needs help, it is available, ”the psychologist stressed.

He also emphasizes that a sincere connection can only occur when a person feels accepted and not pressed: “One of the best ways to help a person to understand that he is important and that his or her feelings are not something he needs to be ashamed or hidden. Sometimes it is enough to just be around and give a safe space for the conversation.

Youth Line provides emotional support 24 -hour anonymously and confidentially – free phone 0 800 28888; Internet chat (Chat) daily from 3 p.m. up to 24 hours:https://jaunimololinija.lt/sasikbalbakim/