Most of us will have heard that connection is vital to our health and happiness. Yet the reality is feeling lonely or even isolated is a common experience – and can impact any of us, particularly when big life changes come our way.
Moving to a new place, going through a break-up or divorce, falling out with a close friend or losing a partner, friend or family member to illness, are all events that can spark this experience. Loneliness can also develop gradually, or turn up unexpectedly, for any number of reasons.
The global pandemic has brought loneliness into the spotlight with lockdowns isolating people, disrupting relationships and driving up mental illness. But studies show it’s been an issue for a long time now, across many different countries. And one of the groups most affected is young people.
