Loneliness is something many young people are dealing with right now. Even when they are around others, it can still feel like no one really understands them.
Loneliness can have many causes, but recent life changes are often involved. These can include moving for school, starting new jobs, and losing touch with old friends. These shifts can make it harder to feel connected or “settled.”
In Canada, only about half of youth aged 15 to 29 say they feel a strong sense of belonging in their community.1 That means many are still learning themselves, working on their mental health, and trying to find where they fit.
Why Loneliness Feels Stronger in Your 20s
Loneliness often increases during the transition into adulthood.
As routines change, built-in social spaces (like school or sports) become less common. This makes it harder to meet people naturally.1
At the same time, young adults are facing stress from things like housing costs, school, and work. These pressures can affect mental health, making it harder to connect with others, so prioritizing self-care is important.2
“Fake Friends” and Surface-Level Connections
Another common struggle is feeling like friendships are not real.
Social media can make this worse. It shows highlights, not real life. This can lead to comparison and the feeling that everyone else has better, closer friendships, making people depressed.
But many young people feel the same way. Surface-level connections are common, especially during times of change.
How to Build Real Friendships and Feel Less Alone
Research shows that feeling a sense of belonging is strongly linked to better mental health.1
Small steps can help build that connection:
- Joining activities that match your interests
- Talking honestly instead of trying to seem “perfect”
- Spending time in the same spaces regularly (clubs, gyms, classes)
These moments may feel small, but they help create real bonds over time.
Finding Support and Connection When You Feel Isolated
It’s important to remember that loneliness does not mean something is wrong with you.
Exploring shared experiences on mindyourmind can help you feel less alone, and tools and games can support reflection and coping.
If you need more support, talking to someone can help. Explore how to get help with mental health support resources, including how to talk to a counsellor, prepare for appointments, and find the right support for you.
Building connections takes time, but support is out there. You don’t have to go through it alone.
References
- Statistics Canada. Community and well-being: Exploring sense of belonging among youth
https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/75-006-x/2025003/article/00001-eng.htm - Statistics Canada. Navigating Socioeconomic Obstacles: Impact on the Well-being of Canadian Youth. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/230920/dq230920a-eng.htm