- What is the difference between being alone and feeling lonely?
- I know a lot of people and I have a social life, but I actually feel lonely and misunderstood. Why is this happening to me?
- This sadness I feel now that I'm young, this loneliness, will it stay with me for the rest of my life? Is it a problem with my personality?
- I'm ashamed to admit that I feel lonely and I don't know how or where to ask for help.
- How can I tell if my child is alone because they like being alone or because they don't have friends?
- What are the consequences for my teenage daughter of not having friends?
- My daughter has always had plenty of friends, but lately she's started isolating herself and we don't know why. What should we parents do?
- What can I do to avoid feeling lonely?
- How can I overcome my fears and low self-esteem so I can meet people and not feel so alone?
- Can technology help me or does it worsen the feeling of loneliness due to the lack of physical contact with other people?
- How can we help a young person who feels lonely?
- I feel lonely and I'm feeling unwell both physically and emotionally, could this be related?
- I've moved and I'm finding it difficult to connect with people I don't know. Could feeling lonely lead to depression?
- If someone tells us they feel lonely, what should we say and what shouldn't we say?
- How can educators detect if a teenager or young person is suffering from unwanted loneliness?
This sadness I feel now that I'm young, this loneliness, will it stay with me for the rest of my life? Is it a problem with my personality?
The perception of loneliness is often linked to life transitions , such as adolescence or young adulthood, or when there are significant life changes on different levels (work, housing, relationships, etc.). It doesn't have to be with you your whole life. Loneliness is a subjective perception resulting from comparing the quantity and quality of your social relationships with those you would like to have. Therefore, this perception will change throughout your life; the network of social relationships you establish and their quality will vary, and with it, your perception of loneliness.
It's true that there are risk factors and protective factors associated with loneliness. Therefore, it's important to be able to "protect" yourself. How? By seeking out safe spaces, or by establishing new relationships with different people with whom you can do activities, talk about problems, and seek help when needed. You can also participate in social activities you enjoy that allow you to meet people outside your usual circle, people with whom you might develop a bond of trust in the future.