In the midst of a mental health crisis marked by increased anxiety, depression, and loneliness among young people, it is more important than ever to foster supportive communities, authentic connections, and a culture of caring. The U.S. Surgeon General has warned that loneliness has reached epidemic proportions, affecting individuals of all ages, but perhaps most alarmingly, children and young people. Meaningful social connections have been shown to have protective effects on both mental and physical health. Caring practices can also help foster young people’s mental health, build resilient communities, and foster a sense of belonging and purpose.
Statistics on loneliness among teens and young adults highlight a stark reality. A recent survey found that teens spent nearly 70% less time in person with friends in 2020 compared to 2003, dropping to just 40 minutes per day. Young adults are nearly twice as likely to feel lonely than those aged 65 and older. Among Gen Z, an astonishing 73% said they feel lonely all the time or sometimes, indicating that feelings of isolation are widespread and deeply felt among today’s youth. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a 2022 report highlighting the steep decline in teen mental health, with 42% of high school students reporting persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. Mental health issues were more severe among BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and economically disadvantaged youth.
These statistics highlight the urgent need to address the loneliness epidemic, especially among younger people, where its effects can be severe and long-lasting. Kindness, community and a sense of purpose are part of the solution.
Building genuine relationships around purpose: the heart of community
Combating loneliness relies on building genuine connections with others. Genuine relationships are the foundation of resilient communities and provide a sense of connection and belonging that is essential for mental health and wellbeing. Building meaningful connections around important issues is a great way for young people to come together and build a like-minded community and a sense of belonging and purpose. This goes beyond just social interactions; it fosters relationships based on trust, empathy, kindness and making a difference in the world. Developing a sense of purpose makes us happier and healthier. Purpose is more than a single volunteer activity; it’s a commitment to something bigger.
Young leaders who come together to make a difference in something that matters to them can work at it together, build meaningful friendships, and become a part of something bigger than themselves. A perfect example of this is Call For Kindness Fellow Isabella Hanson, who used the power of artistic expression to bring together teens, build community, and find their purpose after the murder of George Floyd. “Inspired by the death of George Floyd, I created the I Matter poetry and art contest to provide a space for students around the world to express their deepest feelings through a collective medium. I Matter creates a space for youth advocacy through the lens of kindness.” The I Matter poetry contest provided a space for teens to express complex emotions like grief, anger, hope, and most importantly, come together as a community so they don’t feel alone.
Increasing opportunities for youth leadership in schools and communities builds both community and purpose. Nonprofits and youth programs have a unique role to play by providing opportunities to elevate youth voices. As part of his mental health advice, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy specifically suggests that community-based organizations and foundations should create more spaces for young people to exercise leadership and actively engage in decision-making through youth advisory councils and active programmatic decision-making and evaluation.
Cultivate a culture of compassion and kindness
Kindness, at its core, embodies the essence of human connection. Acts of kindness, no matter how big or small, have the power to bridge gaps between people. It’s empowering to know you’re not alone in this world and that you can work with others to make things better. And kindness has a superpower: it can make you happy. But according to a 2023 report released by the Born This Way Foundation, fewer than half of middle and high school students feel like they’re part of a kind community, and that number is declining. With many young people lacking a kind community at school, organizations and activities outside of school can play a key role in building this sense of belonging and purpose by fostering a kind community.
Young people gather at the Riley’s Way Foundation’s kindness leadership retreat
Source: Riley’s Way Foundation
The best part is, kindness is contagious. When we see and experience acts of kindness, we are more likely to be kind ourselves. This makes it the perfect antidote to combat the widespread mental health epidemic among young people. Kindness acts as a catalyst to build and strengthen relationships and foster a sense of personal purpose – all key components of well-being. Through acts of kindness like a listening ear, an encouraging word, or simply being there for one another, we build bonds of trust and empathy that transcend the barriers of loneliness and isolation. Prioritizing kindness in our interactions with others creates a space where young people feel seen, heard, and valued for who they are.
Empowering young people to cultivate and act on kindness in their daily lives is transformative. By teaching empathy, active listening, and the value of diversity, we equip young people with the tools and skills they need to make meaningful connections and support one another through life’s challenges. Through efforts that promote kindness and community engagement, we can empower young people to become agents of change not only in their own lives, but in the lives of others.
The loneliness epidemic poses a significant threat to young people’s well-being, with far-reaching effects on their physical, mental and social health. However, we can begin to address this pervasive problem by prioritizing cultivating meaningful connections and practicing kindness. In essence, kindness is the currency of compassion — an act of offering generosity, empathy and support to others without expecting anything in return. In the context of youth mental health, acts of kindness serve as a powerful antidote to the feelings of isolation and hopelessness that often accompany mental illness.
As we confront the mental health crisis facing young people today, it is clear that we need a paradigm shift to prioritize kindness, empathy, and human connection as key components of mental health care. Practicing kindness is a powerful force for change, promoting healing, connection, and resilience. Creating environments where kindness is celebrated and supported creates a space where young people feel valued, supported, and empowered to navigate life’s challenges with grace and compassion. As we look to the future, let us remember that small acts of kindness are powerful and can make a huge difference in individual lives, the fabric of our communities, and our collective journey to mental health and well-being.
“A world fueled by love is a world where we are kind and generous to one another. A world where we value friendship. We heal through the love we give and the love we receive. And when we realize that, we realize that we are all healers and that right now, we need more healers in the world.” US Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy, 2023 (CNN).
