How To: Feel A Little Less Alone

Here are some tips from CALM to help you feel less alone for all those who are struggling.

First things first. This isn’t a guide that’s gonna ask you to join a new club or reach out to an old mate. If you’re here, it’s because you’ve seen that advice, and, well, you still feel alone. Don’t worry, we’ve got you.

Being lonely is part of the human condition. And over half of UK adults report feeling lonely. That only increases when you add people experiencing mental health struggles. All that to say, you’re not alone.

Wherever you are right now, there’s probably someone two doors down feeling similar. It’s not because you’re broken or a failure, it’s because we’re social creatures who crave connection – and that’s not always easy to find.

Feeling lonely can feel like you’re a lost puzzle piece. You know you fit in somewhere, you’ve got the space and capacity for connection, but you just can’t find the right fit. The good news is that connection and coping with loneliness isn’t just about talking to people or finding ‘the one’ – even if films and social media make it feel that way.

Coping with loneliness can be about doing things to connect with yourself, nature, the wider world, and to the stuff you enjoy. Connecting to all those things can help make your personal jigsaw puzzle more whole.

So we’re here to find some other ways to cope with loneliness. And, as always, these tried and tested tips come straight from you lot.

Get outdoors or move your body

Tune in to the TV & Radio

Do stuff you enjoy

Make plans for the future

Interact with your pets

Connect with someone if you can

Remember you’re not alone

Everyone feels lonely sometimes. If your loneliness is impacting your everyday life, support is available. Read our guide to getting help with loneliness, or, if you’re struggling with suicidal thoughts, our free helpline is here to help you find a way to move forward.