Loneliness In Teenagers

The onset of adolescence often shifts emotions and feelings into overdrive. Although everyone might wrestle with loneliness at times, teens may be especially vulnerable, states the Northern Illinois University College of Education. When loneliness occurs in teenagers, your loving support and encouragement can help improve a painful situation.

  1. Symptoms of Loneliness

    • A teenager struggling with isolation or loneliness may show common symptoms of loneliness. A teen might appear isolated from peers and friends, and might avoid social situations and group activities. The teen may exhibit anger, depression and over sensitivity. A teenager may fear rejection, try hard to get peers to accept her or assume rejection will occur in a situation.

    Striving for Independence

    • Adolescence involves an ongoing process of teenager growing and striving for independence, asserts Carl Pickhardt, Ph.D. and author. As the process unfolds, a discord may occur from the characteristics and personalities of childhood and the new and different characteristics of adulthood. If the changes create a rift in family or friends with compatibility issues, loneliness and isolation could occur. The teenager may feel tempted to engage in self-criticism in response to external criticism. Parental support can help a teenager remain positive and find new connections.

    Negative Social Situations

    • Some social situations may cause loneliness and isolation in teenagers, states the Women̵7;s and Children̵7;s Health Network. If teenagers feel isolated due to a bullying situation, loneliness can result. In a bullying situation, a teenager needs parental and school support to stop the bullying and help the child feel safe and secure amongst peers. When the bullying stops and the teenager engages in positive interaction with peers, loneliness should abate.

    The Need for Intervention

    • Left alone and without intervention, a teenager̵7;s loneliness could have tragic results, states Hallie Kushner with the Perelman School of Medicine. The feeling of isolation and disconnection from others can lead to intense feelings of sadness and depression. If you perceive that your teenager feels unresolved loneliness, consider having your child assessed by a counselor or mental health professional. Left untreated, a teenager's loneliness could even result in suicide. In conjunction with counseling, look for ways to encourage a connection with friends and family -- engaging in extracurricular school activities can be a positive way to connect and interact with peers.

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