Young people aged between 16 and 25 are more likely to feel lonely and isolated than any other age group, and with many students across the UK just now settling into their first term of studies at university, loneliness can be a feeling known all too well by those adapting to lifestyle and environment changes.
More than 3 million people in the UK reported feeling lonely last year and this time of year is one of the highest risk periods.
According to the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, 72% of 16–25-year-olds say that loneliness has had a negative impact on their mental health. This is 18% higher than the national average of 54%.
The data shows that the stresses of academic pressure, living alone and changing lifestyles are just some of the risk factors for extreme and lasting loneliness.
Elisabetta Vanacore is an international student at The University of Salford, she expressed how she initially found it difficult to make new connections at university: “Making friends in university can be really hard… especially when you’re in a big group like a class of a 100 people making friends can be really hard.”
Moving to another city or even country, stepping away from close relatives and familiar settings can all lead to feelings of isolation.
Feelings of loneliness have been linked to causing depression, anxiety and low self — esteem.
Kezia Sarsby found herself becoming frustrated with her introverted ways when moving to Manchester as a young adult. She explained how she felt she was holding herself back from opportunities due to the fear of the unknown: “the transition to being alone and being independent is very scary”
“I wanted to join dance or a society but I was just too scared and I thought I’m scared of like people judging me and I didn’t know anyone.”
Many young people find the independence of living alone daunting. So, how can young people try and avoid feeling isolated and lonely?
Kieran Lloyd is the venue manager at Salford Universities’ Student bar – Atmosphere. He expressed how he tries to create an inclusive space where young people can socialise and make friends: “we want them to know that there is someone there”.
“we just don’t want anyone to feel alone and like they have to worry about anything alone.”