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This week is Mental Health Awareness Week and the theme for 2022 is loneliness. Here we share our three top tips on managing feelings of loneliness.
There are many definitions surrounding loneliness; some say that loneliness is simply sadness from having no company and others believe it is a state of mind that can lead to mental health challenges.
In truth, loneliness effects everyone very differently and there is a large distinction between feeling lonely and experiencing loneliness (our blog ‘Let’s talk loneliness’ discusses this definition in more detail).
There is no single cause or solution to loneliness, but there are things we can do to lessen the effects and improve our mental wellbeing.
- Do activities you enjoy
Keeping busy and stimulated can help ease the feelings of loneliness. This could be something simple like watching an episode of your favourite TV series or even texting a friend.
- Spend time with pets
If you have a pet, spending time with them is a brilliant way of managing loneliness. Our pets provide us with unconditional love and give structure to our days, ensuring we are meeting their needs which in turn, meet our own.
- Take a walk
If you have a dog, you’ll most likely be doing this regularly anyway! But even if you don’t, taking a short walk around the block and breathing in the fresh air can do wonders for your mental health and wellbeing.
What we’re doing to help
The Charlie Watkins Foundation strives to raise funding for vital projects to help young people across the UK who are facing serious mental health challenges.
Recently, we have opened Charlie’s Cabin, a summer house we have funded as part of the Youth Enquiry Service (YES) project GoGreen. Charlie’s Cabin aims to provide a safe space for young people who may be experiencing loneliness to share their concerns or simply chat with their peers or project leaders.
With your help, we can continue our vital work; and give support to young people who need our help the most. If you would like to help us to continue to make a difference, please consider making a donation.
