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Lonely doesn't mean Alone...
Feeling lonely is something that everyone experiences over the course of their life, and it’s often brought on by changes in our life.
Millions of young adults worldwide face loneliness, so if you’re feeling this way, know that you’re not alone.
As social creatures, it’s our body’s way of telling us to find connection and can be positive in encouraging us to reach out.
But at same time, we know loneliness can feel overwhelming, painful and sometimes it’s hard to know where to start.
5 ways to rise out of loneliness
Rising out of loneliness can be a challenging process and a journey that takes time, effort, and patience.
To help, we’ve prepared some of our top tips on how to overcome loneliness.
From taking active efforts in reaching out to your existing connections to following your passions, there’s a number of strategies you can implement into your daily life to feel a little less lonely day by day.
Get Support
If you’re struggling with loneliness, feel it’s affecting your mental health, and don’t have anyone to turn to, there are a number of organisations offering confidential, non-judgmental support and a listening ear.
Samaritans is a charity dedicated to providing emotional support to anyone in distress, struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide. They operate a 24/7 helpline, responding to over three million calls annually through phone, email, online chat and face-to-face interactions. For support, you can call them at 116 123 anytime, day-or-night or email jo@samaritans.org.
CALM focuses on preventing male suicide by challenging stereotypes and stigma around mental health. They offer a helpline (0800 58 58 58) available from 5 pm to midnight daily, and provide various online resources, including blogs and toolkits. They aim to create a supportive environment where men can openly discuss their struggles and seek help.
Shout is a free, confidential, text-based helpline available 24/7 for anyone in crisis or struggling with mental health issues. You can access support by texting 'SHOUT' to 85258. Shout aims to help individuals manage their mental health challenges by providing immediate support and connecting them with further resources as needed.
Nightline is a student-run service offering confidential, anonymous, and non-judgemental support for students. If you need someone to talk to, you can find your university’s specific Nightline service through their website. This service is designed to provide a safe space for students to discuss anything on their minds.
Switchboard is the national LGBTQIA+ support line. For 50 years, their volunteers, who all identify as LGBTQIA+, have been available to discuss anything related to sexuality and gender identity; whether it’s sexual health, relationships or just the way you’re feeling. Switchboard's support line is completely free, and available wherever you feel most comfortable – whether that’s on the phone, via chat or email. 10am-10pm every single day.
Further Support: Every Mind Matters
Sometimes admitting we feel lonely can be hard but it’s important to remember that many others experience similar feelings of loneliness too, and that this feeling can pass.
Further support and advice can be found on the Better Health – Every Mind Matters page, including information on the signs of loneliness, reasons we feel lonely, ways to manage it and links to more support.
