Emotional loneliness highlighted in new comic strip collection

Although few young people are socially isolated, many experience a strong sense of loneliness. According to the Public Health Agency of Sweden, three in ten young people feel lonely, and more than one in four young men do not have a close friend they can confide in. To highlight emotional loneliness, the Church of Sweden is now launching the comic strip collection Ensamma tillsammans, created in collaboration with six Swedish cartoonists.

The comic strips depict everyday situations in which people feel lonely despite the presence of others – from silence in close relationships to the feeling of not fitting in. The material is being published both digitally and in print and complemented by discussion material to help young people and adults talk about feelings that are otherwise easily left unexpressed.

All comic strips and texts can be found on the Church of Sweden’s Själkänsla website, which aims to improve people’s ability to deal with life’s challenges and gain a deeper understanding of their emotions.

Facts:

Ensamma Tillsammans is a comic strip collection in which a number of Swedish cartoonists interpret emotional loneliness, with the church responding with knowledge and advice.

Each cartoonist has written about a specific variety of emotional loneliness.

Magda Lundberg – Loneliness in close-knit groups
Moa Romanova – Digital loneliness
Erik Svetoft – Loneliness in processes of change
Bim Eriksson – Loneliness in love relationships
Hanna Böhm – Loneliness due to loss
Fredde Lanka – Loneliness linked to identity