If you’re feeling lonely and lost, we’re here to help.
Loneliness can have a serious negative impact on our mental health. There are lots of reasons why a person feels lonely. It might be because they feel misunderstood or find it difficult to make new friends. It could be because of a bereavement or family separation, or a huge life adjustment such as moving home and starting a new school. People who are experiencing discrimination because of their sexual orientation, gender identity, disabilities or race are also more vulnerable to loneliness.
Ways To Feel Less Lonely
We want to help you find ways to reach out. We hope these tips help you make connections and start conversations. You may make a new friend or find a like-minded person to help you feel less lonely and isolated.❤️
- Connect with someone from your past. Do you have a mate you’ve long since lost touch with? Hit them up on social media or drop them a text message. You might not rekindle a friendship but even a quick catch-up chat can help you feel less lonely.
- Join a club or group. This is a great way to meet new people who have similar interests to you. Check out your local Facebook group to see if there are any groups of interest taking place in your local area.
- Reduce your social media intake. If looking through endless photos of people having an amazing time with family and friends is making you feel sad and lonely then put your phone down. Use the time you’d scroll through social media to do something positive for your mental health: go for a walk to clear your head or read a book.
- Volunteer for a local charity – you could help out in a shop or foodbank or offer to help distribute aid and food parcels. You’ll meet lots of new people and you’ll be doing a great kindness.
- Push your comfort zone. If you’re invited to an event or to take part in an activity you’d usually say no to, why not give “yes” a try? You might meet new people and make a friend or two. And if you don’t particularly enjoy it then there’s no harm done. At least you gave it a go!
- Learn to enjoy alone time. Sometimes being on our own can be fun! Pick up a good book and lose yourself in the story or play your favourite music loud. Live in the moment and focus on the positives about being alone.
- Keep a diary. Write down how you feel and let your emotions loose on the page. Writing can be very cathartic and helps to clear the mind. It can also help to write down a plan: have a think about what you can do to feel less lonely and write down some ideas. You could plan to join a club, reach out to an old friend, or pick up the phone and call a family member you haven’t spoken to in a while. Once you have a plan, you’ll feel more motivated to take steps to tackle those lonely feelings.
To get more advice and support with feelings of loneliness, click here.
