Loneliness can happen to anyone. People need friends and family to be happy, so it’s normal to feel sad if we feel like we can’t talk to anyone. It can make us feel stressed or anxious and make us think negatively. You might be feeling lonely or isolated because you had a fight with your friends, your family has moved to a new place, or you’re going to a new school. If you start to feel lonely, it is important to speak to someone, because if we feel lonely for a long time it can be really bad for you.
Social media doesn’t make it any easier. When everyone is posting things all the time it’s easy to feel left out. Social media makes feelings of loneliness worse by making it seem as if everyone else is with each other, all the time. Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook are great for helping us connect with friends, however, they can create an unhealthy expectation that we need to see people all the time.
No one is going to deal with feelings of loneliness the same way – it's different for everyone. Sometimes dealing with loneliness can be as easy as picking up the phone and calling up a close friend or family member. But other times it is not that easy. If you feel like loneliness is too hard to deal with by yourself, tell your parents you need professional help.
Change your perspective and uncover a way forward for you!
Here are some things that can help you with that.
YouTube
Great
reads
The Edge of Thirteen by Nova Weetman
Thirteen-year-old Clem deals with fitting in and falling out in this authentic story of friendship.
The Boy at the Back of the Glass
Told with heart and humour, The Boy at the Back of the Class is a story about a refugee, highlighting the importance of friendship and kindness in a world that doesn't always make sense.
Emotions! Making Sense of Your Feelings by Mary Lamia, PhD
This will help you understand your emotions and who you are, how you appear to others, and what you can be. While your emotional life may feel out of control, your emotions are valuable. It's time to figure just what your emotions are telling you!
Great
Films
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Imagine reading the diary of kid who has just started middle school and has to survive. Yup, that's what this film is about
WALL E
A machine has to clean Earth, which covered in rubbished. He meets another robot and falls in love with her. Together, they set out on a journey that change the world.
Wonder
August, a boy with a rare facial abnormality, enters the fifth grade in a private school where he befriends Jack. The two form a strong bond while facing the bullies in their class.
Places to find more resources
Would you like to get inspired about your life?
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