A recent study suggests that loneliness is widespread in Estonia and has a direct impact on health; among those who have experienced loneliness, 59% say it harms their mental health, with the strongest effects reported by young adults.
The study, carried out by Kantar Emor and commissioned by the pharmacy chain Apotheka, finds that loneliness affects not only mental health but also people’s social and civic functioning. According to the survey, it has wider implications for people’s ability to work and learn, and for their participation in community life.
The findings also indicate that loneliness is not confined to those who live alone.
“While the risk is higher among people who live alone, loneliness is also experienced by those who have families, jobs and regular social contact. Solitude can be a conscious and chosen state, but loneliness is never a choice,” the study’s commissioner said in a statement.
“Loneliness does not mean being alone, but rather the feeling of not being genuinely connected to anyone. As a psychologist, I often see that even those with families, jobs and everyday social interactions experience profound loneliness. It is a serious mental health risk that requires societal understanding and practical solutions,” said psychologist Anna-Kaisa Oidermaa.
The vulnerability of young adults emerges particularly clearly in the study. People aged 16–34 report feeling lonely most frequently.
Shared activities help cope with loneliness
Beyond mental wellbeing, young people also report that loneliness affects their day-to-day lives: it makes face-to-face communication more difficult, hinders the formation of new relationships, and reduces their capacity to work and study. This suggests that, for many young people, loneliness is not a passing feeling but an experience that shapes their development and ability to cope.
“At the same time, the study shows that young people expect more mental health support from society than other age groups and place greater importance on reducing stigma. This is a clear signal that the problem is recognised, but current solutions are not yet sufficient.”
Between 23% and 27% of respondents cite a fast-paced lifestyle and lack of time as drivers of loneliness, alongside the feeling that there is too little time both for themselves and for relationships. This suggests that preventing loneliness is not solely a matter for healthcare or social services, but also one of societal choices and everyday priorities.
According to the study, communication and shared activities are the most effective ways of coping with loneliness. Some 61% of respondents say good access to hobbies and courses is critically important, while more than half emphasise the value of community events and shared spaces where people can meet.
