Dealing with loneliness

Loneliness is an unpleasant emotion.

What is an emotion?

Emotions are feelings a person has about things. Some emotions help a person feel good and other emotions can make a person feel sad or upset.

What is loneliness?

Loneliness is when a person feels alone - with no one they feel they can talk to or share time with. A person does not have to be on their own to experience loneliness, they may be surrounded by people and still feel lonely.

Feelings of loneliness can affect a person's mental and social health so it is important that if the person is feeling lonely that understand that they could:

• Form new connections or friendship groups by joining a club or getting involved with community work.

• Visit online support communities such as Elefriends where the person can open up to others online with similar experiences and emotions without fear of judgement.

• Ask their GP who could recommend appropriate groups in the local area that could help the person manage the mental health effects of loneliness.