Isolated and youthful
Young Germans Grapple With Loneliness
A recent survey by the Bertelsmann Foundation reveals that approximately half of Germans aged 16 to 30 often feel lonely. The research paints a picture of a generation grappling with feelings of isolation, shed light on its causes, and offers potential solutions.
Carolina, 35, an online editor and content creator, speaks candidly about the loneliness that has lingered since the death of her husband in a traffic accident. Before meeting her husband in 2011, Carolina felt lonely as a child, a feeling that vanished when they became inseparable. They married in 2018 and welcomed their daughter in 2021.
However, everything changed in September 2023. Carolina's husband was tragically killed in a traffic accident. Despite an outpouring of love and sympathy, Carolina found solace fading quickly, leaving her with an overwhelming sense of loneliness. Therapy she's attending for over a year has provided some relief, but lonely days still loom. Despite the support of her family and daughter, some evenings alone on the couch remind her of the void left by her husband.
Fabian, 27, a project manager in real estate, moved from Bavaria to Hamburg four years ago to explore new opportunities. Moving into a shared apartment initially helped him meet people, but the tendencies to compare himself to others on social media still fuel his loneliness. Initially, he sought companionship in a team sport, but he found like-minded individuals through a friend instead.
For Fabian, finding comfort in his own company is what keeps him grounded. Though single and sometimes pitied for it, he credits his solitude with teaching him the value of independence. Yet, there are moments when he wishes to have someone to share smaller moments with and ease the loneliness that comes on weekends when no one has time.
Benjamin, 35, developed a sense of loneliness after being abandoned by his girlfriend years ago, leaving him without friends or family. He now works as a seller of Hinz&Kunzt accessories and a night watchman in Hamburg, finding consolation in the social interactions he has during his work.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, Maya, 22, studying medicine, acknowledges the difference between being alone and feeling lonely. Her preference for solitude is often misunderstood, yet she freely admits the discomforting feeling of loneliness sets in when company is desired and absent. When Maya feels the distressing void, she actively engages in activities like gym or dancing to counteract it.
For Abdel, 24, an Amazon delivery driver originally from Tenerife, the struggles of being far from loved ones have become familiar. Right now, he lives with five others in a shared apartment in Hamburg. The diverse environment helps him feel connected and gives him little time for loneliness as he works long hours and enjoys time at the gym.
Loneliness among young adults in Germany is inextricably linked to various factors such as social isolation, feelings of political disenfranchisement, high unemployment rates, disengagement from communities, and a lack of connection. However, by employing community engagement initiatives, promoting political inclusion, furnishing mental health resources and education, implementing social programs for young adults, and harnessing technology for social connectivity, it is possible to alleviate loneliness and improve the overall well-being of young adults in Germany.
- Despite being surrounded by people due to living in a shared apartment, Abdel, the Amazon delivery driver, occasionally feels lonely as he is far from his loved ones in Tenerife.
- In her efforts to cope with loneliness after the death of her husband, Carolina, the 35-year-old online editor, has been attending therapy sessions for over a year.
- Despite her inherent preference for solitude, studying medicine student Maya still experiences moments of loneliness when she desires company, leading her to engage in activities like gym and dancing to counteract those feelings.
