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Feeling lonely, is it just me?
Hi everyone, this is my first post. I've been feeling super lonely for quite awhile and it feels like I'm the only one my age (24). Does anyone else experiences this?
Comments
Hi @Indigo_Cat
welcome to the Reachout forum🌸
I am also a similar age and feel lonely a lot of the time. Even when im surrounded by people i dont feel connected with many people. Maybe it is the lack of things in common or just people keeping to themselves but i feel where you are coming from. Please know that you are not alone in these feelings. Its great to see that you do Yoga, ive always waned to try it! I am always here if you need to talk to someone who has had a similar experience.
☀️
Hey @Indigo_Cat
Just catching up on the posts here. I'm glad you posted because loneliness can be so common, especially in your 20s. I personally have also found it hard at times because I don't think anyone really prepares you for how difficult it can be to maintain friendships after high school.
In high school, you see your friends and peers every weekday. After graduating, suddenly everybody is on a different schedule and it can be impossible to find a time to catch up. It can also feel intimidating and a bit scary to make friends at uni because you have to kind of just put yourself out there. I've found it hard to maintain uni friendships because I found that once the class is over for the semester, it's easy for those friendships to fade away.
I'm sorry it's been hard to find someone you can connect with on a deeper level. That must be difficult... I'm glad you are taking yoga classes though, and perhaps if you are able to push yourself to go regularly, you can start building a connection there, and hopefully find someone you click with! Are there any other activities or hobbies you do that make you feel a larger sense of connection and community?
Hi @Indigo_Cat!!
Welcome to the forums 🥰 Just wanted to pop in to say I'm the same age and you're definitely not alone in those feelings. Loneliness is something I struggle with too, and I suspect a lot of people in their 20s do. Everyone's sort of figuring out their lives and doing different things, so it's difficult to see people regularly like we did in school. And I feel you with the online classes too.
But it sounds like you really value that sense of community that comes with the yoga classes, are there other interests you're curious exploring? Congrats for nearly finishing your course, so close!!! What are your plans after? 🙂
Hey @sunset_hues Im just trying to get back into yoga at the moment. Im still not sure what i want to do next yeat though.
Are you studying at the moment too?
Keep us updated with how those classes go (I'm not just saying that, I'd actually like to know) ! I got into yoga a couple of months ago too but it's just those 10 minute youtube videos but even that feels fantastic so it'd be cool to hear your experiences of actual classes x) That's fair! I think a lot of us are on the same boat :') I am! It's online too!
Hey @Indigo_Cat,
I'm close to your age and you're definitely not alone there. I've felt like this from time to time as well, but it doesn't last forever, everyone at least once in their life experiences or has experienced loneliness. I totally understand you when you say you do uni online and it's hard to make friends, I did a whole year of uni online during covid and it was very lonely, but it does get better. It just takes time to find the right people, don't give up 🙂
Hi @Indigo_Cat 👋 welcome to the ReachOut community, it’s really nice to have you here!
I’m sorry to hear that you’ve been feeling lonely lately. Loneliness is a really horrible and all-consuming feeling to experience, especially when it feels like you’re the only one going through it.
Truthfully, it’s normal for young people to feel lonely. But that doesn’t make it any less challenging. While it can be a normal experience, each person's experience of loneliness can be unique. If you're comfortable, I am wondering if you would mind sharing a bit more about what loneliness looks like for you?
When it comes to dealing with feelings of loneliness, have you discovered strategies or activities to be helpful? Are there any self-care activities or passions you gravitate towards?
I am really glad that you reached out, the community can be a great opportunity to connect with others. Speaking of which, one community member started a “lets be friends” thread here, that you might find interesting to check out. We also have a thread about living through loneliness here, if you’re up for a read 😊
Thanks for your message @Sally_RO
For me lonliness looks like not having anyone to talk or connect with who I feel like truely understands me and I can speak truthfully with and vice versa.
I enjoy going to yoga class because even if im not talking to other people i still feel a sense of community, its just hard to motivate myself to go sometimes.
Thank you for linking the thread and article. I will check it out !
@Indigo_Cat I think feeling alone even when you're around other people can be especially challenging - to not feel like you can connect on that deeper level is pretty challenging to sit with, for sure. I think sometimes, it is about finding the 'right' people - people who share your interests and passions, and who help you to feel safe and welcome in their presence. It can be tough to find! But like Hannah said, it's pretty normal for young people to feel lonely, and it does sometimes take time to be able to find people who you feel connected to.
It's awesome to hear that you go to yoga! And you're right, even if you're not talking to the others there, you're still in a space with other people and can feel that sense of social connection. Is there anyone in your class who you feel you are drawn to, or could be friends with if given the chance?
Yeah i agree with you @Pho-RO its about finding the rignt people. I think i need to attend yoga more regularly in order to get to know who os going to the classrs etc.
Hi@Indigo_Cat you're definitely not alone in feeling this way! I'm around the same age as you and I sometimes feel like I'm all alone. I think a lot of us in our twenties find it really hard to meet new people and form new relationships. Even admitting you feel lonely can be scary because it seems like nobody else can relate.
I really loved an episode of the imperfects podcast called 'Lonely? You're not alone'. It helped me to hear stories of other people experiences with loneliness and also had some tips on what to do about these feelings. (It's also a pretty entertaining and funny podcast)
I think it's awaken you shared this post and I hope things go well for you
Are you studying or working at the moment @Blueberry_Rose ? Or are you just figuring things out at the moment?
I'm studying as well at the moment!! I definitely know what you mean about it being very different to school and I can imagine it'd be quite hard doing study online.
I've only got two more units to do next semester then I'm done, which im really looking foward to! How far along are you @Blueberry_Rose ?
That awesome!! I'm gonna have another couple of years unfortunately but I like what I'm studying which is good. You excited to finish?
Hi @Blueberry_Rose thank you for replying to my post!
Yeah its really hard to make new friends at this age, it was different in school making friends - its harder now. I study uni online so i dont really make friends there.
Thanks for the podcast recommendation, I'll definitely have a listen!
I hope things are going well for you too!