Stage 1 · Lesson 6 of 6
When loneliness turns into something heavier
Loneliness is a feeling, not an illness, but if it lasts a long time it can feed into low mood, anxiety and trouble sleeping. Watch for signs that it has become heavier: losing interest in almost everything, feeling hopeless for weeks, not eating or sleeping properly, struggling to get through classes or work, or thoughts that life is not worth living.
If you notice these, talk to a doctor, a university counsellor or a mental health professional, and see the mental health roadmap at /roadmaps/mental-health/. If you are thinking about harming yourself or are in danger, contact local emergency services or a crisis line now; Find A Helpline lists free lines by country.
Common trapwaiting until things are unbearable before asking anyone.
A question to check yourself come when you add the roadmap to your account. Add it
Resources for this stage
Start with· follow one of these
- BookPaidTogether: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World (Vivek H. Murthy)
Vivek H. Murthy (Harper Wave) · Paid book
The US Surgeon General on why loneliness is common and how connection is rebuilt
- VideoFreeWhy We All Need to Practice Emotional First Aid (Guy Winch, TEDxLinnaeusUniversity)
Guy Winch (TEDxLinnaeusUniversity)
A short talk on treating loneliness and rejection as injuries you can tend
Keep handy
Struggling right now? If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, contact local emergency services or a crisis line: Find a helpline (any country), Umang (Pakistan), Tele-MANAS, 14416 (India).