The Young Scot Youth Loneliness Panel share some of their thoughts about loneliness.
Just like with other feelings, everyone is different. So be mindful that these examples might not match how you feel, but that doesn’t mean what or how you’re feeling isn’t loneliness.
What is loneliness?
Loneliness can be a feeling that, even though you might have people around you, you are unable to talk to them about the way you feel, leaving you isolated from others.
It can be feeling sad and unhappy as you have no one to talk to or feel like you have no one to do things with.
It can be feeling that although there is people around you that you maybe don’t belong and people won’t understand why you feel this way.
Collins Dictionary describes loneliness as:
Loneliness is the unhappiness that is felt by someone because they do not have any friends or do not have anyone to talk to.
What are the Signs of Loneliness?
Someone experiencing loneliness might display one of more of these:
- they spend a lot of time alone
- they can be unproductive- as doing things can often seem like too much and a lot of effort
- they can get stuck and fixated on the negatives
- they feel very tired all the time – burnout
- they may cancel plans right before they were meant to happen
- they may seem quite quiet and distant when you are with them
If you’re feeling lonely and need support, there are a range of organisations that can support you over the phone, e-mail, text and webchat. Visit our #AyeFeel page to find out more.
Find more information and support on loneliness or feeling alone.