What might be causing you to experience feelings of loneliness?
The reasons why people feel lonely are as diverse as the people who feel it.
Sometimes loneliness can be caused by something you might experience, like the loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or moving to an unfamiliar place. But equally, loneliness can come from more subtle changes.
Growing apart from an old friend, a lack of confidence in starting conversations, or deciding that you’d like a romantic interest in your life, could all lead to just as powerful feelings of loneliness.
“I arrived in Australia by myself in early 2022 and found myself feeling extremely overwhelmed and anxious. I was in a relatively unknown environment with no one to turn to. I didn’t know anyone around me.”
Below we’ve outlined some of the most common causes of loneliness, but remember:
- You are lonely if you feel lonely - you don’t have to have a reason
- There are a range of things you can do right now, and long term strategies to help you feel better.
- Loneliness in response to significant events
- Loneliness due to your current life situation or circumstance
- Loneliness due to living with a mental health problem
- Loneliness caused by our society and culture
- Loneliness caused by our upbringing
In most cases, there are a combination of reasons you might be feeling lonely, rather than just one.
If you feel lonely, you are lonely. You don’t need to have a reason.
Remember, there are things you can do right now, and long term, as well as support services and tools and apps you can use to feel less lonely.
“Being in another country where I didn't speak the language and being away from the support networks that I did have in Australia made me feel more isolated. ”
