How to deal with loneliness and shyness among teens in Africa.
Humans are hardwired to interact with others. The positive effects on our happiness and health from having friends are undeniable, and research has shown that maintaining strong social ties is essential to our psychological well-being. Yet, many African teenagers suffer from social anxiety. They don’t know what to do or say around strangers and worry about what those around them will think of them. That can make us wary of interacting with others, leading to isolation and loneliness.
Teenagers and young adults are at a particularly delicate developmental stage when they are still discovering who they are and where they fit in the world, and hence may be more vulnerable. That is a difficult time, marked by uncertainty and possibly significant upheaval in one’s relationships. Young people also lack the coping abilities of adults, making it more challenging to deal with difficult situations, such as overcoming feelings of isolation.
Tips for African teenagers struggling with shyness and isolation:
Consider joining a support group for those who are lonely.
It’s common to feel less isolated after sharing and listening to the stories of those around you. Hearing someone else’s account elicits an array of feelings in humans. Unaccompanied teens may have a greater capacity for empathy, making these relationships especially important for building confidence and a sense of belonging.
Explore the root of your feelings of isolation.
A significant loss, social exclusion, or an internal mood can contribute to an overwhelming sense of isolation, even when surrounded by other people. Recognizing that loneliness is an inner experience is crucial. If you have trouble making friends even when people surround you, it could be because your early environment did not promote socialization, mutual comprehension, and sympathetic exchanges of ideas.
Locating the source of your feelings of isolation will help you begin working toward a solution. The key to overcoming emotional difficulties that necessitate a shift is identifying and addressing their underlying causes.
Help others
Helping others through volunteer work is a beautiful opportunity to meet interesting people and make new pals. And it’s a natural method to give your life more meaning, which many of us need when alone. In what ways do you want to see the world change? You may identify groups that need help and sign up to volunteer with them.
Get out of your comfort zone.
Can you imagine something you’ve always been curious about but never tried? The timing is right now! Consider trying out for a school play or community theatre production to get into acting. In to sports? Do something different, like signing up for a new team or maybe a weekend clinic. There is a wide variety of options for new pastimes to explore.
Read More: Five ways sports can give new like to vulnerable children
Spend time with animals
Feeling less lonely is easy when you spend time with animals, especially cats and dogs. They will give you all the cuddles you want and love you no matter what. If you don’t have pets of your own, you may always visit the pets of friends and family.
Conclusion
African teenagers are often isolated because they are too timid to talk with strangers. Adopting social norms in Africa, discovering one’s identity, and forming meaningful relationships can all be arduous tasks for young people, especially adolescents. Using the advice above, you can overcome feelings of isolation and shyness.