headspace urges young women to create connections, as survey reveals many feel lonely

On the eve of International Women’s Day (8 March), the National Youth Mental Health Foundation, headspace, is encouraging young women to explore opportunities for social connection in their community, as research finds they are more likely than their male peers to experience loneliness.

The headspace National Youth Mental Health Survey found two in three (67%) young women felt left out often or some of the time, while more than three in five lacked companionship (62%) and felt isolated from others (61%).[1],[2]

Young women aged 18-21-years-old were found to experience loneliness more than any other age group of Australian young people. Almost 4 in 5 (79%) 18-21-year-old women said that they sometimes or often feel left out, and 76 per cent responded that they sometimes or often feel they are lacking companionship and/or are feeling isolated from others.

In good news, the survey showed young women (75%) are more willing than their male counterparts (65%) to seek support from a mental health professional.

But the 18-21-year-old cohort were the least likely among all young women to seek help, with more than half of this age group (52%) preferring to deal with emotional problems on their own.

headspace Head of Clinical Leadership, Nicola Palfrey, acknowledges this stage of young adulthood can be a difficult time, marked by major life changes, and young women may feel lonely for a variety of reasons.

“People in their late teens and early twenties are doing many things for the first time. They are gaining greater independence, leaving school, moving out of home, and beginning further education or a career. These are all major life transitions, which can feel exciting and full of potential, but they can also feel overwhelming and stressful.

“Moving out of the family home or no longer seeing your friends and teachers everyday can increase the likelihood of feeling lonely. These support networks, which were once very accessible for young people, can be strained by distance, or changes in routine.

“There are a variety of reasons why young adult women may feel lonely. The same survey told us that young women and people in this specific age range were more likely to display problematic social media use. Social media bombards us with images of people having a great time, surrounded by friends, which can make us feel lonely, or like we’re missing out.

“Studies have also shown that young women are less likely to engage in community sport, which can be a great way of routinely catching up with mates when you leave school.

“We encourage all young people – but especially young women – to explore how they can create connections and get into life. Volunteering in your local community, checking out groups at your university or work, exploring any clubs that focus on a hobby you enjoy, or getting in touch with your local headspace centre are all ways you can grow your network.

“It's also important that community groups continue creating safe and welcoming environments where young women feel confident and valued. Providing opportunities for young women to explore their interests, share new ideas, participate in activities and connect with others benefits everyone.

“Coping with loneliness can be tough. Although it can be hard reaching out to others to let them know what you’re going through, it can help you feel supported, less isolated and it can be the beginning of a valuable support network. If reaching out to someone you know feels uncomfortable, you can always seek professional help.”

View the full infographic.

Young people aged 12 to 25, as well as their family and friends can visit a headspace centre for support. Support is also available via phone and online counselling service eheadspace seven days a week between 9am–1am (AEST). The number is 1800 650 890.

If you’re looking for someone to talk to immediately, Lifeline (13 11 14), Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800), and 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) are available to talk 24/7.

[1] These three sub-measures make up the Three-Item Loneliness Scale, a standardised and internationally recognised scale that measures for 3 dimensions of loneliness: relational connectedness, social connectedness and self-perceived isolation.

[2] For all three sub-measures, the percentage refers to those who selected ‘Often’ or ‘Some of the time’.