We all belong here.

Different stories, shared belonging.

Colorful row of abstract shapes in various sizes and colours arranged along the bottom of the image.Colorful group of abstract shapes in various sizes and colours arranged along the bottom of the page.

Ever felt lonely during life’s changes? You’re not alone.

Loneliness is something many young people experience, especially during times of big changes. New job, new city, new identity... it can be isolating. But when we share our stories, we realise others have walked similar paths.

This space is here for you. You can explore real stories from others who have faced similar experiences, or share your own story if you choose.

Browse stories, connect through shared experiences and remember that belonging is possible. Welcome to A/Part of the Crowd where different stories create shared belonging.

Artwork from story submission: A person sits curled inside a hanging chrysalis on a tree branch, surrounded by butterflies and caterpillars. Text reads, “Changing is lonely.”
Created by: Julian, He/Him, 21

Browse stories.

Hear from voices that remind you: We all belong here.

Starting uni, a new job, or being fresh to a city can feel like starting from zero. Your routines, your people and even your sense of self can change. Stories show that others have stood in the same uncertainty and found their way.

Explore real experiences of loneliness and connection - find what resonates.

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Binusha
Victoria (VIC)
24 November 2025
Different perspectives of lonelienss
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A group of people talking about what loneliness represents to them, being isolated and each having their own individual experiences with loneliness. But on the other hand, it’s a group of people who together feel lonely and end up connected.

<img src='https://res.cloudinary.com/dskfvghx8/image/upload/v1764079435/Different_perspectives_on_loneliness_l58fy1.jpg' alt='Asset' style='max-width:100%; height:auto; display:block;' loading='lazy'>
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Anonymous
Victoria (VIC)
24 November 2025
A light back home
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Back then daydreams of a more exciting life - one full of laughter, freedom and joy - consumed me. I’d imagine friends with names and personalities so real it made me question my own sanity. I felt shame, guilt and embarrassment for attempting to make up a hole in my heart through fictional characters. Yet, it was those still and quiet nights that helped me gather the courage to make my imaginations into reality. Now, I find that those “friends” in my dreams silently cheer me on every time I surround myself with real people who truly love me. I realise now that they like fireflies guiding me back home through their light :)

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Tilly
Victoria (VIC)
24 November 2025
All alone
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All Alone
Check it, check it, check it.
No messages.
Instagram? TikTok? Snapchat?
No one’s there.
Quiet hum, streaks of moonlight—
No arms to be held by.
Sound asleep, all but one.
No ears to just listen.
Drowning,
No hand to reach for.
Not worth saving.
Not a real problem.
It’s all in my head.
(Or is it?)

"I feel passionate about this" reaction - Dark red symmetrical shape made of four rounded shapes touching at the center.
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Anonymous
Victoria (VIC)
24 November 2025
Loneliness, my grapefruit
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This is basically me comparing loneliness to a grapefruit. Being alone and being lonely are two different things.
In my experience, I have been the most productive and grown a lot as a person during times when I have been lonely.
However, when I feel lonely for too long, or go about being lonely in the wrong way, it’s quite harmful to my mental health.

<img src='https://res.cloudinary.com/dskfvghx8/image/upload/v1764079437/Liminal_reality_wltt4d.jpg' alt='Asset' style='max-width:100%; height:auto; display:block;' loading='lazy'>
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Lachlan Emanuelli
Victoria (VIC)
24 November 2025
Fading echoes of belonging
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My perception of my life over these past few years, discussing topics such as loneliness and craving/searching for a sense of belonging Fading Echoes of Belonging
I move through crowds but go unseen,
A shadow lost in the light between
The echoing laughter is warm and bright,
Yet leaves me colder every night.
I trace my name in fogged-up glass.
A concise mark— that never lasts
I seek belonging that is washed away,
Like waves that reach but never stay.
They use tongues that I am unable to learn.
A life undeserved, a silent ghost deterred
With an unrelenting tide, the world continues to spin.
But here I am, imprisoned within.
If I could carve a space, a house,
A voice that swells, a seed thats sown,
Would I be noticed? Call me close?
Or would my name simply repose?

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Every story counts, no matter the size or format.

We get lonely in the space between who we were and who we’re becoming. Stories shorten that distance.

Storytelling is powerful. It reminds others they’re not alone. This space isn’t about perfection. Your story doesn’t have to be polished. Share what feels true to you.

Your story might be exactly what someone else needs to hear.

Life changes can feel confusing and isolating. By contributing, you help build a community space where belonging feels possible. Your voice reminds people that they are a part of the crowd.

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