Everyone feels lonely sometimes. It’s natural and nothing to be ashamed of.
The theme of Mental Health Awareness Week 2022 is loneliness. In the UK, 60% of 18-34-year-olds say they often feel lonely. In the US, 46% of the whole population feels lonely every day.
Loneliness is completely subjective and there’s a huge difference between being lonely and being alone. Just because someone is alone, doesn’t mean they’re lonely.
Someone might be happy completely by themselves while others might find this a lonely experience. Another person might be in a room full of people and still feel lonely. Everyone’s experience is unique.
Tips to Help with Loneliness
Check out this video from Mind for some top tips to help with loneliness.
Want to get involved in mental health awareness week? Try some of these this week
- Text a friend you haven’t spoken with in a while
- Call someone in your family
- Ask a classmate for a coffee
- Try a new sport or club
- Take up volunteering
- Smile at a stranger
- Pet a furry friend
- Keep up to date with TheSprout
- Twitter: @FeedTheSprout
- Instagram: @FeedTheSprout
- Facebook: @TheSprout.co.uk
If it doesn’t work out that’s, completely okay. Don’t do this with any expectations, the goal is to open up and begin to connect with others!
Getting support
If you feel like you can’t solve your situation by yourself, try to reach out to a trusted friend or family member and tell them how you feel. You could also seek professional help. Remember, it’s not a sign of weakness but of courage and strength.
Related Information
To find out more about Mental Health Awareness Week click here.
Want to learn about making friends? Check out TheSprouts useful page all about friendship.
For more info on mental health including a list of services, visit TheSprout’s Mental Health Info page.
If you would like to talk to anyone about any theme within this article or similar issues, please contact Meic. Meic is the national information, advice and advocacy helpline for children and young people in Wales.
Open 8am — Midnight, every single day.
Phone: 080880 23456 // Txt: 84001 // Online chat: www.meic.cymru