Diagnosis: Loneliness

Diagnosis: Loneliness

I am lonely. Likely you are too.

Our interactions have become shorter. We leave the house less. Fewer details are shared in conversations. We say less. When people call, we hit “decline” even though we know it would be good to talk.

And the teenagers in our world almost certainly are lonely too.

A recent study found 61% of young adults (including older adolescents) reported feeling “serious loneliness” in the past month while only 27% of adults 55-65 reported this form of loneliness.

The supposed “most connected generation” is in turn the most lonely and disconnected of all. (Read our recent post on gen z and loneliness.)

I guess what I am saying is if you or I are feeling lonely, that burden likely falls much heavier on the shoulders of the younger and more vulnerable of our population.

We see it in our support groups every week here at Teen Life. Since schools have reopened, our teens are quick to talk, lean in, and share. We take for granted that today’s teenagers actually have someone to talk to about meaningful things! I’ve been shocked how quickly and to what degree teens will share vulnerable and honest information about their lives.

Teens are lonely. So are we.
So, what do we do?

A recent New York Times article goes into great detail on this “Loneliness Epidemic” happening within one of the largest cities on the planet – New York City. Towards the end of the article, the authors share some ideas on how to combat this epidemic, but one really stood out to me.

Ask for help.

But, I don’t mean it the way it probably sounds.

That is, ask for help for….something. Anything.

For a teenager, maybe the ask is for help with:

  • Homework
  • A problem to solve
  • Relationship issues
  • Learning something new
  • A challenge

When teens hear “ask for help” it’s often interpreted as “cry out for help” – which seems overwhelming. But when we just ask for help, we are communicating a need for connection, and giving someone else an opportunity to step in and get the good feeling of helping someone.

Everyone wins, and everyone’s a little less lonely.

An epidemic like loneliness can only be defeated by pulling together for the sake of the most vulnerable. The teens in our lives need us more than ever, and if we can give them better tools (like teaching them how to ask for help), we will see a generation that finds hope in healthier relationships and deeper connections.

Chris Robey
Chris Robey

Former CEO

Ep. 33: Movember & Fall Trends

Ep. 33: Movember & Fall Trends

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Men’s mental and physical health are in crisis.

In fact, the statistics are staggering. Men die, on average, five years earlier than women. Four out of five deaths by suicide in the United States are men. The Movember movement seeks to change that.

Join us as we discuss how to help move the mark, specifically with teenage boys.

Then, if you love all things pumpkin spice, this week’s trend is for you. We’ve got all the fall trends and a Thanksgiving tip for making the holidays more fun for everyone.

Have a question?

If you have a question about something you heard or just want to give us some feedback, please leave us a comment below.  We would love to hear from you!

About Us

Chris Robey
Chris Robey

Former CEO

Karlie Duke
Karlie Duke

Communications Director

Ep. 22: Talking About Mental Health & YikYak

Ep. 22: Talking About Mental Health & YikYak

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Mental health is more than a trending topic.

It affects kids, teenagers, and adults from every walk of life. But when kids and teens struggle with mental health, they often don’t have the language or experience to know how to ask for help. Episode 22 offers advice on how to be present and how to respond when a teen comes to you with mental health concerns. Then, if you’re not familiar with YikYak, hold on to your AirPods. Chris and Karlie will walk you through the app that’s been shut down and brought back to life again. Stick around for do-able birthday party ideas that most teens will love!

Have a question? If you have a question about something you heard or just want to give us some feedback, please leave us a comment below.  We would love to hear from you!
Karlie Duke
Karlie Duke

Communications Director

Chris Robey
Chris Robey

Former CEO

Ep. 19: Start of School Anxiety & Simone Biles

Ep. 19: Start of School Anxiety & Simone Biles

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As teens and teachers head back to school, anxiety levels are higher than usual- and with good reason.

Join us for practical ways to support school staff and students as the school year begins. Be sure to keep listening as Chris and Karlie discuss the importance of Simone Biles and Naomi Osaki and their recent refusals to put performance over mental health.

Have a question? If you have a question about something you heard or just want to give us some feedback, please leave us a comment below.  We would love to hear from you!

In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:

Karlie Duke
Karlie Duke

Communications Director

Chris Robey
Chris Robey

Former CEO

Ep. 10: Searching for Identity & Vaping

Ep. 10: Searching for Identity & Vaping

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How do we help teens develop their identity?

Adolescence is hard work! One of the biggest reasons adolescence is so hard is because as teens we explore who we are and develop our identity.

Find out more on this week’s episode as Chris and Karlie discuss identity. They’ll also share the important facts on vaping, a health hazard that 1 in 5 teens is doing. Plus, don’t miss the breakdown on fun, family-friendly games that bring everyone together.

Teen Life Summit sessions are no longer available.

Have a question?

If you have a question about something you heard or just want to give us some feedback, please leave us a comment below.  We would love to hear from you!

Karlie Duke
Karlie Duke

Communications Director

Chris Robey
Chris Robey

Former CEO