Loneliness
What Is It?
Loneliness or feeling left out is being alone when we do not want to be alone. This can happen even in a group of people. Loneliness can feel like we are alone and have no one to talk to or hang out with.
Sometimes, we want to be alone. Loneliness is when we want to connect with others, and it feels like there is no one to connect with us.
Loneliness can be from many different things.
It can be from:
- Moving
- Switching to a new school. That can be scary! It can be hard to feel connected when switching schools.
- Social media. Sometimes, we go on and see people hanging out or doing fun things, and we can get FOMO (fear of missing out). Remember, socials are only a snapshot of reality.
- Not being included. This could be to hang out or in a conversation.
- Not fitting in. When you have not found “your people” yet, it can be hard! There are people out there for you. It might just take some time to find them!
- Bullying
- Poor relationships/friendships
- And more
Research has shown there are certain people who are at higher risk for loneliness. This includes people who are immigrants or identify as 2SLGBTQIA+. This is because of many things such as language barriers, discrimination, and stigma.
What Does It Feel Like?
Loneliness or feeling left out can feel different for everyone.
Loneliness can feel like:
- Sad, mad, or unhappy
- Upset
- Alone
- Your child/youth has no one to talk to or hang out with
- Your child/youth wants to hide
- Your child/youth wants to be around other people
- They do not fit in
- Hurt feelings
- Anxious
What Can You Do to Feel Better?
Everyone feels lonely or left out from time to time. It is important to remind your child/youth that it is okay to feel lonely, but it is not okay to hurt themself or others because of the loneliness. It is about finding ways to feel better and connect with others.
Help your child/youth to figure out what works to help them feel better.
Things you can do to feel better:
- Play a game
- Call/text/DM/Snap a loved one (friend or family member)
- Join a group or club
- Do kind things for others
- Play with a pet
- Hobbies
- Talk to someone you trust about how you are feeling
- Draw
- Watch a funny movie or video
- Get active
- Go outside
- Cry
- Yell into a pillow
- Journal
- Think of ways to connect with others
- Take a break from socials
- Ask for help
Further Resources
All articles referenced above are collated here for your convenience and further reading:
Coping with Grief and Loss – HelpGuide.org
What does grief feel like? | Mind, the mental health charity – help for mental health problems
Dealing with Disappointment (hbr.org)
A Psychologist’s Advice on How to Deal with Disappointment (manhattancbt.com)
Goals of misbehavior – Part 4: Inadequacy – Early Childhood Development (msu.edu)
If you would like to speak to someone about mental health issues, the Alberta Health Services Mental Health Help Line is available 24/7, offering information and referrals on any aspect of mental health.
Call toll-free: 1-877-303-2642
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