YOUTH mental health organisation ReachOut has unveiled a new report highlighting the profound impacts of loneliness on young people across the country.
According to the findings, more than half (57 per cent) of young individuals are grappling with concerns, stress, or worry about feeling lonely.
The report is based on a national survey of over 660 young people aged 16-25 years.
Of those who reported loneliness as a significant issue, stress related to feeling lonely is affecting them in various ways, including a moderate to major impact on their mental health and well-being (82 per cent), mood changes (75 per cent), sleep issues (64 per cent), changes to appetite (30 per cent), and challenges with relationships (50 per cent).
The report also shows that gender, sexuality, and location play a role in young people’s experiences of loneliness. About 69 per cent of women and 60 per cent of non-binary and gender-diverse young people said they feel lonely, compared to 40 per cent of males. Additionally, 70 per cent of LGBTQIA+ young people reported feeling lonely, compared to 51 per cent of heterosexual young people. Moreover, 65 per cent of young people living in regional and remote areas expressed loneliness, compared to 55 per cent of young people in major cities.
ReachOut provides support information for young people on loneliness and friendship.