Loneliness is a complex and multifaceted emotional experience characterized by a profound sense of isolation and a perceived gap between desired and actual social connections. It is not merely the physical absence of people but rather the subjective feeling of being alone, irrespective of the physical presence of others. This state of mind can arise from a variety of circumstances and affect individuals of all ages and backgrounds.
At its core, loneliness can be understood as a distressing discrepancy between one’s social needs and the reality of their social environment.