Loneliness

Loneliness is involuntary and distressing, often tied to a lack of meaningful connections, while being alone is voluntary and can be a positive, calming experience.

Common causes of loneliness are for example major life changes (e.g., moving, starting studies, breakups), social skill deficits, childhood experiences, or personality traits like shyness can all contribute to feelings of loneliness. Past bullying can leave deep emotional scars, making it harder to trust others and form relationships, but professional support can help overcome these challenges.

Individual-focused study environments and cultural norms, like reliance on alcohol in social settings, can isolate those who feel they don’t fit in.

Learn more about the topic in the following articles.