Loneliness is a crushing feeling like no other. It’s time to help combat it this year-
Recognise Loneliness.
Most of us feel lonely at some point in our lives, you’re not alone! Try to find out what is making you feel lonely so that you can start taking the right steps to feeling better again. Is it because you’re stuck in the house? Are you missing a friend or partner?
Connection.
Join a society that you know will connect you with like-minded people. Meeting people with similar interests to yourself will help you to feel more connected, involved, and you’ll be spending less time on your own.
Reach out to existing friends and make regular plans with them such as a catch-up lunch once a week. If it’s a long-distance friendship then make sure you’re scheduling catch up calls or just pick up the phone whenever you feel like you need to unload. And also it’s easy to shut off from the outside world when things get the better of us, don’t worry we understand. But you have to remember that having plans gives you a reason to get out and spend time with people you trust and love who lift you up.
Open Up
Don’t be afraid to admit that you’re feeling lonely or to seek help. Loneliness and bad mental health are not a good mix. Talk to people you trust and most importantly, don’t feel like you’re a burden to them. People who love you will not view you as a burden and will only want to support you and support you on your journey to feeling better – that’s what friends are for.
Take your time.
Opening up to people can be difficult and daunting, it’s not easy to show your vulnerability to people. Take it at a pace that you’re comfortable with, and the same goes for feeling better, don’t put too much pressure on yourself.
Self-reflection
Use time by yourself to self reflect. Reflect on your week, reflect on your dreams, reflect on your goals. You can achieve this by meditation, mind mapping or sketching. Self reflection helps us to grow as individuals. What’s more it reminds us what our goals are and how we are going to achieve them.
If you’re struggling with mental health it’s important to speak with someone you can always contact the MIND charity.
