Everyone feels lonely sometimes.

It’s OK to feel lonely and it will go away.

Feeling lonely may be because:

• a best friend is moving away
• starting at a new school
• finding it hard to make friends
• feeling like you don’t fit in
• other kids not wanting to play with you
• being bullied
• being different
• losing someone you love
• things not going well at home
• being away from your family

Sometimes you can feel lonely even when you’re with other people.

How can I stop feeling lonely? 

• Talk about it – tell someone you trust about you how you feel. They can help you figure out what to do.
• Have fun – do something that makes you happy. Play games, make things, draw or spend time outdoors.
• Animals can help – pets are great company. Spend some time with your pet, pat them and play with them. 
• Visit people your whānau – you might feel better seeing them and they’d love seeing you too!
• Make new friends – say ‘hi’ to a kid at school or in your neighbourhood. You could talk to them and find out more about them to make friends.
• Help others – find a way to help other people. This will make you feel better and the other person feel good.

Call us at 0800 What’s Up – we’re here to help.

Try not to worry!  Remember, it’s OK to feel lonely sometimes and it will get better.