News release
Young adults are reporting loneliness at striking rates, and new research suggests that loneliness is closely associated with depression and anxiety, according to a news release from Kaiser Permanente.
An international study led by researchers at Washington University in St. Louis School of Public Health analyzed nationally representative survey data from 7,997 adults across eight countries, the release said. Overall, 38.9% of respondents reported loneliness. Among adults ages 18 to 24, nearly one in two reported feeling lonely, compared with about 30% of adults ages 55 and older.
The findings add to growing evidence that loneliness is an important public health concern, particularly among younger adults, said the release. Researchers found that people reporting loneliness had nearly three times the odds of meeting screening criteria for depression and nearly four times the odds of meeting screening criteria for generalized anxiety. Together, these findings highlight a strong connection between loneliness and mental health, particularly depression and anxiety.
Mental health concerns can emerge during childhood, adolescence and early adulthood, making early recognition and access to support important. Opportunities for prevention, routine screening and timely intervention can help identify concerns before they become more severe.
Loneliness is more than simply being alone. Persistent feelings of disconnection can affect emotional well-being and may also interfere with sleep, concentration, motivation and healthy routines, according to the release. More broadly, a strong social connection is increasingly recognized as an important contributor to overall health and resilience.
“The impact of loneliness on young people can be significant because social connection plays a critical role in emotional well-being and resilience,” Dr. Saba Notghi, chief of psychiatry at Kaiser Permanente Panorama City, which serves members in the Santa Clarita Valley, said in the release. “When feelings of isolation go unaddressed, they can be associated with depression, anxiety and other health concerns.”
Health care organizations and mental health advocates are working to address these concerns through earlier identification and support. Several factors may contribute to loneliness and mental health challenges among young people, including social isolation, changing relationships with family and peers, school or work pressures, financial stress, community support and digital interactions.
“Screen time and online experiences can also shape how young people connect with others,” Notghi said in the release. “Rather than pointing to any single factor as the cause, it’s important to recognize that loneliness and mental health are shaped by a combination of individual, social and environmental circumstances.”
While addressing loneliness may feel daunting, small steps can make a meaningful difference, the release said. Volunteering, joining community or interest groups, reaching out to trusted friends or relatives, maintaining regular opportunities for in-person connection and spending time with pets may help people feel more connected. Paying attention to negative thought patterns and seeking support from a mental health professional when needed can also support emotional well-being.
“The broader youth mental health crisis has prompted national attention in recent years, underscoring the importance of making it easier for young people to recognize when they need support and to access it,” Notghi added. “As loneliness continues to affect many young people, fostering meaningful social connection and providing timely mental health support remain important parts of promoting long-term health and resilience.”
