The feeling of loneliness is likely to impact all of us at some point in our lives with people living with a disability or long term health condition and those aged between 16 and 34 being more at risk of experiencing loneliness. As well as feeling isolated you may also have physical symptoms such as feeling nervous or sick before social events and changes in your sleep habits/daily routine.
Here are some tips to help you combat feelings of loneliness:
- Keep in touch with others on a regular basis- as this can support you to combat loneliness and give you someone to reach out to when you feel like this. Try creating group chats on messaging apps or contacting old friends/colleagues.
- Join a group or club- this is an excellent way of connecting with and meeting new people. Have a look for local clubs and groups that are suited to your interests/hobbies.
- Fill your time with activities you enjoy- this can boost mood and help occupy your mind with positivity. Try hanging out outside, reading, playing/watching sports or listening to podcasts.
- Talk about how your feeling with others- opening up to someone and normalising these feelings will really support you to combat loneliness.
- Don’t compare yourself to others- some people find socialising easier than others Seeing everybody’s social lives online can feel overwhelming but try and remember, we often only see what other people want to share about their lives on social media.
- Take it slow and connect with others in simple ways- it can feel overwhelming to throw yourselves into social situations so take your time with it. For example, you could try to make small chat with people you come across in your day to day life for example your neighbour. Try establishing a routine so you go to similar places at similar times each week so you can start to recognise people and form connections. Online classes or hobby groups may be a great place to start.
You can find out more about Loneliness and how to combat it using these resources:
https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/lifes-challenges/loneliness
