Sometimes, it can feel like no one understands what we are going through or what we are feeling. Or you might feel like people just don’t get you. You might look at other people’s lives and feel like yours is very different. This can be very isolating and frustrating, and can make us feel worse and more alone.
As difficult and painful as this can be, it’s important to know that there are things you can do to feel valid, seen and heard. You are important, and your feelings matter.
It is our human instinct to want to connect with others, to express ourselves and to be understood. That's why it can be so hard when we feel disconnected and alone. You might be experiencing some of the following:
When we start to feel bad about who we are this can make things a whole lot worse and stop us from being ourselves, or even trying to open up to others. But whatever you're going through, you are not alone.
Not everyone is going to get you, and that's ok. But when loneliness starts taking over your life, often the first step to feeling better, is to accept yourself as you are. You are unique and that's incredible. The more you love who you are - including all your 'flaws' and even the things other people can't accept - the more comfortable you will feel.
When people judge us, dislike us or react to us negatively it can make us feel guilty, ashamed, helpless, angry, fearful and lots of other uncomfortable emotions. When we have these emotions, we might blame ourselves or feel like we don’t deserve to be happy. Once we start judging ourselves, our negative thoughts can spiral. These thoughts and feelings can make you want to hide from other people, or feel scared of opening up. But there is support out there that can help you. You do matter and you deserve to be happy.
If these negative thoughts feel overwhelming, you might be struggling with:
Whatever you're going through, you can contact the Samaritans for support.
If you’re under 19 you can confidentially call, chat online or email about any problem big or small.
Sign up for a free Childline locker (real name or email address not needed) to use their free 1-2-1 counsellor chat and email support service.
Can provide a BSL interpreter if you are deaf or hearing-impaired.
Hosts online message boards where you can share your experiences, have fun and get support from other young people in similar situations.
Offers confidential advice and support for young people struggling with suicidal thoughts.
Its helpline service - HOPELINEUK - is available to anybody under the age of 35 experiencing suicidal thoughts, or anybody concerned that a young person could be thinking of suicide.
Everyone interacts with and experiences things differently, whether it’s chatting with friends, understanding how people are feeling, finding crowded spaces tough or coping with change. If you are neurodivergent, for example if you are autistic or have ADHD, this can affect how you see the world and how you interact with others.
Sometimes you might feel lonely because people might not understand what you’re going through and think you’re being difficult. But you deserve support. Talk to friends and family about how you are feeling and what you do or don’t find helpful so that they can do their best to support you.
If you are feeling misunderstood, we have tips, advice, and real stories from other young people like you.
If people are saying or doing horrible things to you, this is bullying. It can be a very isolating experience, especially if it feels like no one is there to help you. Bullying is always unacceptable.
If you are experiencing bullying, speak to someone you trust. They can help you get the support you need.
You might also be experiencing discrimination because of your race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality or disability. This can feel very lonely, especially when people around you can’t relate to your experience, or make you feel like you’re overreacting. But how you feel and your experience is completely valid.
If you are experiencing discrimination, it’s really important to talk to someone so that you can get the support you deserve. No one should be treated differently for who they are.
It is illegal to discriminate against someone because of:
We have advice, tips and information on where you can get support.
School can be a place that we enjoy, but sometimes it can be tough. You might be struggling with school when it feels like others around you are coping, or you might find yourself continuously getting into trouble. You might also be struggling with a friend or a friendship group.
Problems like this at school can make you feel alone, or like no one understands you. If you are struggling with other students or teachers, try talking to someone outside of school about how you are feeling. There are people who love you and will want to support you.
For more tips and advice, our page has information that can help you.
There can be a lot of pressure for university to be ‘the best years of your life’, but university can be really difficult. It might be the first time you have lived away from home, you might not be enjoying the course you have chosen, or you might be finding it tough to make new friends.
If you are finding it hard to cope, your university will have services you can turn to for support, like your local GP, your tutor, student welfare officers or university counselling services.
Our real stories from young people like you, have lots of helpful tips about looking after your mental health at uni.
Families can be complicated. And we know that family can have a big impact on your mental health. When family relationships become difficult, it can make life feel hard.
If any of your family members are treating you badly – not taking your feelings into account, shouting at you, being physically abusive, making you feel like you have to do things you don’t want to do, or putting too much pressure on you – it’s really important you get the support you need.
The first step is speaking to someone you trust about what’s going on. If you feel unable to tell anyone because you are worried about how others will judge you or your family, there are helplines and online services you can access. It is so important that you don’t just keep things bottled up and struggle on your own.
Grief and loss
If someone in your life has died, even if you had a difficult relationship with them, it is completely normal to feel down, sad, depressed or angry. If you’re finding it tough we have some advice that might help.
If you're finding family relationships tough, or you have lost someone, our pages have information and tips on how you can get through this.
At points in your life, you might explore your gender and sexuality. This can be at any point in your life, and it is completely normal to explore different parts of who you are. Sometimes, this can feel difficult because you might feel ‘different’ from your friends, like you don’t fit in, or that you are being treated differently because of who you are.
Find ways to meaningfully connect with people can be hard. But you are more likely to do this when you have a shared passion with someone. Try different hobbies until you find one that brings you joy – writing, sport, music, art, school/youth clubs. You can connect with people online through things like gaming and fansites.
More often than not, you’ll find that other people experience the same feelings and thoughts as you, even though you might not think so. Remember you are not alone, and if you don't know where to turn or how to open up, we have some tips.
Read about the experience of others who share their tips and advice on how you can feel better.
