Loneliness in Youth Affects Long-Term Mental Health, Study Proves

Loneliness in youth could affect mental health in the long term. A study proves that children and adolescents are more likely to have depression and anxiety due to isolation. 

Being lonely linked to mental health problems

The widespread quarantine due to the COVID-19 pandemic has been affecting people of all ages. Research in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (JAACAP) reveals that loneliness in children and young people is linked to mental health problems. 

The study published by Elsevier showed that the youth experienced depression and anxiety could affect them many years after isolation. The research team reviewed results from young people between the ages of four and 21 from over 60 pre-existing, peer-reviewed studies relating to varied topics. 

See also: Men and Depression: Recognizing the Warning Signs

The studies focused on isolation, loneliness, and the mental health of the young participants. The results proved a link between being lonely and a higher risk of mental health problems among the children. 

Limited activities significantly affect the young

Lead author Maria Loades, DClinPsy, said that because young people could only meet outdoors in small groups, chances are many of them are lonely. She also noted that school closures continue, and indoor play facilities are still closed, affecting young people. 

The University of Bath, UK, Senior Lecturer in Clinical Psychology, Dr. Loades, also explained how they measured the link between the two. She said they found some proof that the length of loneliness has a higher connection to later mental health problems. 

(Photo : Unsplash/Emiliano Vittoriosi)

See also: Family matters: Why family needs to join child therapy

Three times more likely to be depressed

The research team found that lonely children and young people have three times more likely to become depressed in the future. Dr. Loades noted that those depressed due to being lonely could last for years. 

The team also found that the longer a youth is lonely, the higher the risk of getting depression in the future. The length of loneliness had more impact than the intensity of loneliness. 

While some could re-establish their social contacts after the lockdown, others could still have a hard time reconnecting. It is especially true for young ones who are more sensitive to being isolated before the lockdown happened. 

See also: Youth depression: likely caused by early life stress exposure, study proves

Resume normal activities if possible

Dr. Loades explained that adults should allow children and young people to resume normal activities when possible. She also said that it is essential to see peers and get support outside of their nuclear family. 

The study's lead author also noted that adults should continue to use technology to keep in touch with others in the meantime. She also said that the government should use public health messaging to target children's wellbeing. 

Dr. Loades explained that adults should get ready for increased mental health problems. While one reason for this is loneliness, lockdown is also considered to cause a lack of structure, social, and separation anxiety in young people. These problems might come out once people resume their everyday lives.