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Do you ever find it hard to connect with people? We all feel lonely sometimes but understanding where these feelings come from can make them easier to deal with and even strengthen friendships. What is loneliness? Loneliness is how you feel when you want to connect with other people. The Marmalade Trust, a charity that raises awareness of loneliness, says it’s a natural emotion that all people experience from time to time. “Just as being thirsty is your body’s way of telling you that you need a drink, loneliness is a sign that you need more connection. There’s nothing wrong with feeling lonely,” the charity says. You may sometimes feel it when you’re on your own, but you can also be lonely when you’re surrounded by family or friends. Why do people feel lonely? There are lots of reasons why people feel lonely. The Week Junior reader Heidi, aged 14, remembers feeling lonely when starting a new school. “Even though I could talk to other people in my class,” she says, “I didn’t really know them.” Lucy Norris from the Marmalade Trust tells The Week Junior that feelings of loneliness can happen when you miss someone or just feel different from the people around you. “Whatever the reason, it is ok to feel lonely,” she says.
“It is just a signal to let you know that you might
want more or different types of friendships.”
What can you do about it?
Norris says try to work out why you feel lonely. “If you feel like no one’s there for you, they may not know how you’re feeling so try talking to someone you trust,” she suggests.
It’s important to remember that loneliness can be fixed and it doesn’t last forever. So if a friend has moved away or you’ve changed schools and don’t know anyone yet, try joining a sports team, an activity club or find a hobby where you can meet others who share your interests. Everyone is different, so think about what works best for you. “Loneliness is something that can change, so work out what you need to help you feel less lonely,” says Norris.