In a house outside Jörlanda, surrounded by animal pastures and autumn-clad trees, is 23-year-old Adam Edvardsson's home. Adam has long felt lonely and had difficulty making friends. He believes that growing up in the countryside contributes to the loneliness he has experienced.
"The country is fantastic in many ways, living close to nature and such, but it's also very far from public transport and social meeting places. You're pretty locked in.
Daring to talk about loneliness can be difficult. The worry about what people will think is something that Adam himself has struggled with. He broke his silence and shared his thoughts on involuntary loneliness in the documentary "Friends Wanted" which recently premiered on SVT.
"I've reflected a lot on the comments that have come in, and it's really that there are a lot of people who feel the same way as I do. It has made me feel a little less alone in these thoughts and feelings.
Common among young people
Perceived loneliness is most common among young adults and the oldest, according to the Public Health Agency of Sweden's latest national public health survey. One in three people between the ages of 16 and 29 feel that they are bothered by loneliness and isolation.
Adam says that he received comments after the documentary that his loneliness is not as serious precisely because he is young.
"Like, 'He hasn't been alone all his life', but if you're 23 years old, that's my whole life. A younger person's loneliness is absolutely as important as an older person's.
Breaking the loneliness
Involuntary loneliness can lead to both mental and physical problems. Adam advises to dare to put it into words to change your situation.
"Don't be afraid to start talking about it. Tell someone you're lonely. Maybe tell your family or teacher at school.
Adam himself has started studying at a folk high school since the documentary was recorded, which has given him a new social context.
– Dare to take the step to start an activity or go to concerts. Go and do things yourself. Because it can also result in actually meeting other people with the same interest.