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Loneliness doesn't have to last
Childline is here to help. We’re a free, private, and confidential service offering support to anyone under 19.
Create an account to start talking.
Message a counsellor
Childline counsellors are here for whatever you're feeling, whenever you need us. Messages to us are confidential and you can talk about anything.
Day in the Lonely
Watch experiences of loneliness in our ‘Day in the Lonely’ videos.
Is Childline confidential?
Our confidentiality promise means that we won’t tell other people what you’ve said without your permission. There are only a few times we might need to say something:
- We believe your life or someone else's life is in danger.
- You're being hurt by someone in a position of trust who is able to hurt other children like a teacher, religious leader, sports coach, police officer or doctor.
- You tell us that you're seriously hurting another person.
- You tell us about another child who's being hurt and is not able to tell someone or understand what is happening to them.
- We're told we have to by law, for example for a court case.
Not sure what all of this means? Get more information on our confidentiality promise or ask one of our counsellors.
Struggling to talk?
It can be hard sharing what’s happening sometimes, but there are a few things that can make it easier:
Take your time
Only share as much as you’re comfortable with, you don’t have to say anything you don’t want to.
Tell us if it’s hard to talk
Not sure where to start? Try making a list of things to ask or saying that it’s difficult.
Make a plan
Decide the best time to contact us and choose the space you feel safest to do it.
Reward yourself
Plan something nice to do after sending a message or talking to us.
Keep trying
Even if other people haven’t given you a good response, you can still find someone to listen.
Whether you share what’s happening with us or someone you trust, it can help to get things out.
Ways to cope when feeling lonely
If you’re feeling lonely, there are small things you can do every day to help.
Do things that feel positive
Do something every day that helps you to feel positive. This could be:
- something you enjoy, like listening to music, playing a game or watching videos online
- getting active by going for a walk, playing sport or doing yoga
- speaking to the people you care about, and asking how their day is
- doing something that gives you a sense of accomplishment, like finishing a piece of work, tidying up or starting a new hobby.
Even doing something small every day can help build improve your mood and make things easier to cope with. Not sure what to try? Get ideas with our Coping Kit.
Take care of yourself
Taking care of yourself means:
- getting enough sleep
- keeping to a routine during the day
- eating healthily and exercising
- having time in the morning and evening when you can relax.
Making small changes to build a healthy routine can be hard when you’re feeling stressed, but it can also make things easier to cope with. Try setting reminders on your phone to eat something healthy, take a break or to set a bedtime where you’ll get enough sleep.
Get more advice on taking care of yourself.
Get help making friends
It’s not easy for everyone to make friends, if you’re finding it hard then you’re not alone.
It can take time to build friendships, but it’s often worth the effort. If you’re struggling about where to start, we’ve got some advice to help:
Make the first step
Avoid waiting for people to approach you to start conversations. Try talking to new people in your class or that you meet at activities.
Keep the conversation going
Ask questions about what someone enjoys and show an interest in what they say.
Be yourself
When you’re talking to people, try talking about the things you like to help find things in common.
Join clubs
It’s important to go places that you can meet people, this could be a club at school, volunteering or by going out with people you already know.
Take your time
Making close friends can take time, but getting to know people and talking to them is the first step.
Read our top tips for making friends.
Get help with things in your life
There are lots of things that can make you feel like you’re alone. If you’re struggling, it’s always okay to ask for support from someone you trust.
Try thinking about who you’d want to support you. It could be a teacher, someone at school, an adult you feel safe with or even your doctor. If you’re struggling, it can help to read advice on starting the conversation.
Whatever’s happening, you don’t have to cope alone. And you can always talk to us.
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