Teenage loneliness is a sad reality of modern life. The Oystercatcher looks at what steps can be taken to make a difference in Saint Andrew’s and Saint Bride’s High School.

You don’t need to be physically alone to feel lonely. You can be at school for example, surrounded by lots of people but you feel like you’re on your own and that no-one understands how you feel.

In fact, according to the Mental Health Foundation, more than half of Scots between the ages of 18 and 24 experience mental ill health as a direct result of loneliness and social isolation.

There can be many reasons someone might feel lonely. For example, they may have lost someone close to them, a family breakup, moved school, have an illness or disability, find it hard to make new friends or have been bullied in the past. Although it is difficult to combat these particular issues, it is important that we try and alleviate some of the pain for those affected by ensuring they feel like a valued member of the community and know that they have somebody to turn to.

The devastating effects of social media

A lack of confidence in making friends can also be brought on by the barrage of pictures on social media which we have all seen and the desire to copy celebrities in a quest to attain a perceived “perfect” image.

This reliance on social media is also having a devastating effect on those who feel isolated. Nearly a third of young people who were involved in a poll for YouGov identified digital communications, including social media, as a huge reason for feelings of isolation as the electronically communication has, in many cases, replaced face-to-face interaction.

The statistics certainly worried me – the results of a study from the University of Pittsburgh revealed that those who visit social networks more than 58 times a week are three times more likely to feel lonely than those who use social media sites under nine times. I’d have to admit that these statistics came as no surprise with social media causing many to experience ‘FOMO’ or ‘Fear Of Missing Out’. This relates to the feelings of anxiety one can experience when they are concerned that they are missing out on an important or exciting event and it can ultimately trigger negative feelings such as boredom and loneliness.

Why is loneliness so dangerous?

Loneliness can cause depression, mental health problems and physical illness over time. This includes poor outcomes in those who are facing heart conditions such as heart valve disease and even heart failure. It should also be remembered that depression in teenagers can affect a person regardless of their gender, social background, race or achievements.

The steps to combat loneliness

Sometimes we like a bit of time on our own to re-charge our batteries or have some private study time. I’m certainly not asking that we starting pulling people out of the library just for concentrating on their studies but I would ask that you look around your year group and think about anyone who may be spending a lot of time on their own and make a point of going up and having a chat. Admittedly it is difficult to take that first step. But if you were in this position wouldn’t you want someone to make that vital first step?

However, the well known coffee shop, Costa Coffee have showed their eagerness to combat loneliness. They have recently announced their new initiative, the Chatty Cafe scheme. The idea is to roll out ‘Chatter and Natter’ tables in 300 of its stores for those who would like to have more face-to-face social interaction. Individuals can sit at these tables if they would be open for a chat and therefore begin to tackle the huge problem of loneliness. It’s certainly a lovely idea and might help our current over reliance on technology in order to interact with others.

If you are reading this and feel apprehensive about making that first step why don’t you consider joining one of the clubs in our own school and meet some new people that way. We have a great group at the school newspaper who are extremely encouraging and friendly and we would certainly love to have you along! Your strengths don’t have to be related to writing, we look for individuals with a passion for photography and even those who would like to be involved in the promotion of our newspaper whether it be through posters or social media (but certainly no excessive use is necessary).

At this time where mental health and excessive social media use is so prevalent, I certainly hope to see loneliness become an issue at the forefront of our agenda and I would like to become more involved in this battle myself. I hope my peers would be prepared to join me in order to combat this dreadful problem.

 

By Katie Hunter, Deputy Editor In Chief 

Sources: The Herald, Livestrong, Holyrood, Childline.org, Independent, Metro, uk.businessinsider

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