The importance of mental health is receiving increasing attention nowadays, both at the workplace and in one’s private life, with the feeling of being an outsider emerging as a frequent topic of social-psychological discussion. Whether stemming from a visible trait, behavior, or other kinds of differences, people can often feel like they are not fully part of society or don’t truly belong to the community around them.
The resulting sense of alienation and difficulty integrating can trigger feelings of anxiety, which, over time, can lead to depression and loneliness, uprooting one’s general well-being. In a recent survey conducted among recreational runners, NN Insurance explored how many people experience this problem and how exactly they seek remedies for it.
About two-thirds of runners aged 18–59 said they had felt like an outsider at some point. This feeling was particularly common among women and young adults aged 18–29, with both groups reporting a high occurrence rate of approximately 73%.
These findings align with an earlier NN study, which found that young adults aged 18–34 are significantly more likely to struggle with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and loneliness than older age groups, the insurance company says.
“The feeling of being an outsider does not only reflect the absence of belonging to a community; it often points to internal insecurities or a fragile relationship with oneself. If someone continuously ignores these feelings and doesn’t seek connection or deepen their self-awareness, it can easily lead to isolation, loneliness, and over time, anxiety or depressive states,” explains Sinkó.
But what typically triggers the feeling of being an outsider? Most people feel this way when entering a new community: 75% of the runners surveyed cited this as a key factor. Anxiety or emotional distress were next, with more than half (53%) identifying them as causes, followed by having interests that differ from the group’s (44%). One in three respondents attributed it to their appearance or style, while one in five mentioned grief or personal loss.
What can be done about this widespread issue? Encouragingly, the vast majority of respondents, about 84%, believe that running helps alleviate feelings of alienation and fosters a sense of connection.
Running can introduce a new activity into one’s life, offering the opportunity to join a wider running community, share achievements and challenges (even in online groups) and participate in events such as charity or cleanup runs, club runs and organized races, the insurance firm notes
“Running benefits us in three powerful ways: it protects our physical health, supports our mental well-being, and strengthens our social connections. All of this contributes to a happy, balanced, and long life, what we call longevity,” says Bence Holló, CEO of NN Insurance.
“That’s why, for the 11th year, we are proud to support one of Hungary’s most unique mass running events, NN Ultrabalaton, as well as the NN City Run in Budapest. We hope to motivate more people to live actively and care for their physical and mental health,” he adds.
According to the study, approximately 31% of respondents made at least one new friend through running. Notably, three-quarters of NN Ultrabalaton runners reported having formed several new friendships through their shared passion.
Mass sporting events can also be beneficial in terms of building a sense of community while also helping to ease emotional burdens.
“If we get stuck in this internal loneliness, it becomes increasingly difficult to break free. That’s why it’s essential to participate in community events while consciously developing self-awareness and identifying the thought patterns or beliefs that reinforce this state,” says Sinkó.
“Different forms of physical activity can, in themselves, contribute to stress management, emotional resilience, and greater self-acceptance, ultimately making it easier to connect with others,” she notes.
“This process can be significantly accelerated with the support of a community and professional help, such as a coach or development trainer, helping to build a more balanced and harmonious life,” Sinkó concludes.
This article was first published in the Budapest Business Journal print issue of July 11, 2025.
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