The Loneliness Epidemic: Connection in Adulthood

Something I see both personally and professionally—almost on a weekly basis—is the deep sense of loneliness people struggle with. The transition from school to adulthood can be jarring. In university, friendships form effortlessly through shared spaces, multiple friend groups, and constant social interaction. Then suddenly, adulthood arrives—bringing full-time work, rigid routines, and often, physical distance from the community and friendships once taken for granted.

The loneliness epidemic is real. While social media and virtual connections give the illusion of constant access, they rarely satisfy the fundamental need for real, in-person relationships. So, how do we address this? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but incorporating community into your daily life is a great place to start. This could mean engaging with people where you work, prioritizing visits with long-distance friends, and making small, consistent efforts to stay connected.

In therapy, I often work with clients on building new hobbies and reframing the anxiety around making new friends. Many express frustration with how difficult it feels. Culturally, we’ve moved away from the concept of a "third place"—a space outside of home and work where people gather and connect. While online spaces can be helpful, they often fall short of providing genuine social fulfillment. That in-person element is still essential.

If loneliness or the desire for deeper connection is something you’re struggling with, you’re not alone. And if it’s something you’d like to work through in therapy, let’s connect.