2023-11-29 18:01:00
If the health crisis has added fuel to the fire, loneliness and social isolation continue to skyrocket around the world. There is even talk of a real “epidemic”. Psychologists and psychotherapists in Montpellier and Céret, Julie Scouppe and Marie Bellier take stock of the situation.
According to a recent study, 1/4 (27%) of young adults feel alone. How can we explain that loneliness has become a mass phenomenon among young people?
Julie Scouppe: This loneliness is not something trivial, it can create suffering, depression, anxiety disorders. The Covid crisis has forced us, for the first time in our lives, to remain locked in our homes and has fractured social bonds, sociability, relationships with others. And there are a certain number of people who cannot come back, find a connection and maintain relationships.
Julie Scouppe.
DR
Marie Bellier: To this we add the frequency of connection to social networks and technology which contribute to the feeling of loneliness and isolation. The virtual connection generates easy and rapid communication that is often illusory. Constant comparison with others can reinforce the feeling of singularity and therefore loneliness and isolation.
Social and economic changes can also put pressure to succeed professionally at the expense of social relationships.
Marie Bellier. DR
Many consider loneliness to be a state of mind, explaining that it comes from the transition from adolescence to adulthood, others from social narcissism. What is it in reality?
J.S : We cannot generalize. For some, the transition from adolescence to adulthood can be a pivotal moment: search for identity, independence, social pressure and growing expectations. Thus the Covid, the confinements, the anxiety of death, at this particular moment of life, came to weaken a state which was in full construction.
Some have managed to find resources to adapt. For those who already had fragility, a lack of self-confidence, a feeling of abandonment, loneliness or rejection, Covid has widened the gap.
M.B : It is a simplification of the problem to reduce it to this alternative because each individual is unique and the causes of loneliness can vary between individuals.
Social narcissism brings excessive preoccupation with oneself and a lack of empathy for others. But it cannot be generalized to all young people concerned regarding their future.
Loneliness can also be caused by relationship gaps, emotional difficulties, family problems, traumatic experiences or mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. It is therefore essential to adopt an individual, empathetic and understanding approach.
Faced with loneliness and isolation, how can’get out of it and what are the solutions?
J.S : You have to have activities that nourish, that add value, that provide resources or even find a trustworthy person with whom you can talk. The goal is to find a connection.
Check if the feeling of loneliness persists. There are psychological medical centers (CMP) where consultations are free. Psychiatrists who are reimbursed by Social Security but also free university medicine services.
Public authorities should encourage meeting initiatives around things that bring people together. The friendship bench initiative in primary schools is a great way to create connections and encourage empathy in children. Why not extend it to adults? In large cities we can set up neighborhood initiatives. Why not ask locals for their good ideas?
M.B : Loneliness is a real and subjective emotional experience that should not be stigmatized or minimized as it can have a significant impact on the mental and emotional well-being of young adults. It is therefore essential to promote awareness, empathy and openness to support young people and help them develop social skills to experience interactions and connections that give meaning to their lives.
For example, sports clubs or other community activities or online platforms where they can meet other people with the same interests. It is also essential to promote a culture of empathy, listening and inclusion.
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