Stress and loneliness

If you find that loneliness is making you very unhappy, or getting in the way of things you want to do, you may need extra support. 

As teenagers get older, their friendship groups grow and change. At the same time there are lots of changes in their lives. This can lead to stress and loneliness.

Taking steps to connect with others can help. This is one of the five ways to wellbeing, an evidence-based way to improve your happiness.

Take Action: You can find evidence-based ways to improve wellbeing using the 5 Steps to Mental Wellbeing on the NHS website. 

Loneliness and isolation 

With increased demands from school and work it can be hard to find time for family and friends. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Taking time to look after your feelings and talk through your worries with a trusted friend or family member can help. Supporting a friend with similar concerns can also help you.

• Talk about your worries with someone you trust or a helpline 
• Don't feel you have to do everything at once
• Take time out if you need it

Often parents feel they need to help teenagers around loneliness. But it is a normal part of growing up and forming your own social group. Bupa has information for parents about loneliness and isolation in teenagers.

If your friends are feeling lonely it can be really frustrating. The NHS have information and great video on how to support friends who are feeling lonely.

Coping with loneliness

Whatever your situation having strategies ready can help you feel less lonely. From keeping active to growing seeds, the are lots of ways to life your mood.

This short and practical video from NHS Surrey has lots of useful ideas.

Practical strategies to beat loneliness 

If you're feeling lonely, being able to find other people may not be the problem. You may be struggling to connect, communicate, or wondering what you can say or do.

The Mix have practical strategies, resources and suggestions to combat loneliness. You might also try:

• Volunteering - this can be a great way to meet people of all ages
• Joining a group or club, or starting to play a new game
• Applying for a part time job or course - alongside your school or college

You may feel that taking another thing on might be more pressure. But people usually find that as they do more things, feel better and become happier, their energy increases. As you feel better, you can do more.