Studies show that Loneliness can be linked to Mental Health Conditions

Researchers at Kings College London have conducted a study to profile the links between young adults’ feelings of loneliness, in terms of their current health and functioning and their childhood experiences and circumstances.

The report has revealed that millennial loneliness is in fact linked to major mental health problems, depression and unemployment.

The results show “lonelier young adults were more likely to experience mental health problems, to engage in physical health risk behaviours, and to use more negative strategies to cope with stress. They were less confident in their employment prospects and were more likely to be out of work.”

The study also identified that “lonelier young adults were, as children, more likely to have had mental health difficulties and to have experienced bullying and social isolation. Loneliness was evenly distributed across genders and socioeconomic backgrounds.”

The findings highlight the importance of early intervention to support children’s mental health and help prevent further problems developing later in life.

If you feel that you need some extra support or know someone else who does and would like to see a counsellor, you can find a qualified counsellor in your local area via the ‘find a counsellor’ page: https://www.nationalcounsellingsociety.org/find-counsellor/.

Samaritans are also available 24/7 365 days of the year: 116 123 or visit: https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help-you/contact-us.