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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Bianca
Victoria (VIC)
24 November 2025
A poem - loneliness after high school
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Finishing high school means a chapter is closed, a world left behind.
Yet peace feels far away, hard to find.
The friends you thought would always stay slowly start to fade away.
There is a choice of a career, a chapter, a life to make, but none of it feels real, or fake.
The overwhelming pressure can sometimes make you truly feel alone.
We search for answers in all the wrong places, and end up in empty spaces.
There’s no guidance or rule book to the perfect adulthood.
And when the consistency around you fades unlike it should, it can sometimes make you feel lonely.

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Finishing School
Relationships
Friendships
Poetry
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Julian
South Australia (SA)
24 November 2025
The in-between stages of change and growth
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This is about the in-between stages of change and growth; where you’re not where you want to be, but you’re not where you used to be either, so it doesn’t feel like you can quite relate to anyone around you.

<img src='https://res.cloudinary.com/dskfvghx8/image/upload/v1764079443/the_in-between_stages_of_change_and_growth_kbug9q.jpg' alt='Asset' style='max-width:100%; height:auto; display:block;' loading='lazy'>
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Relationships
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Ashleigh
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
24 November 2025
Loneliness experience
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For me, loneliness, because I also bring in the fact that I am autistic into this as well when it comes to something like this. So naturally, a lot of my thoughts and associations with loneliness is me not understanding others and others having their own group and their own kind of [actions] and me not necessarily understanding what's going on.
So that's how I kind of associated it. That's why I had the the group of people [on the left] On the right that's meant to be, not necessarily, me, but - a lonely person, kind of to the side.

<img src='https://res.cloudinary.com/dskfvghx8/image/upload/v1764079437/Loneliness_experience_oth6sq.jpg' alt='Asset' style='max-width:100%; height:auto; display:block;' loading='lazy'>
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Neurodiversity
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Liv
Victoria (VIC)
24 November 2025
Lost life raft
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I've lost my life raft and I've been sinking ever since, further and further down into the dark blue deep.
A lonely place of seclusion, too far to see into the distance
I've had to pull myself up, time and time again
Here I tread, though don't seem to float
Somedays I can see the light, but it seems to be quickly swallowed again.
Teasing me from above, I long to break the surface
Swap the emptiness for connection
Grief for peace
Darkness for light
I do know it's out there, somewhere in the future, at least that's all I can hope for...

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Disha
Victoria (VIC)
24 November 2025
Because I am lonely
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There is a monster inside
And it likes to hide
But when it rears its ugly head
I feel dead. In crowds of people
And all alone
Like I don’t belong
It tells me that I will always be alone
That no one understands
And when I don’t want more
I try to shut the door
But the monster never truly leaves me
Because I am lonely.

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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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