Feeling lonely is challenging at any time of year but can feel particularly hard at Christmas time. People might also feel embarrassed to say they’re spending it alone or that they’re feeling lonely, but there’s no shame in these feelings. In fact, the best thing we can do is talk about it.
We can all help lift other people, and ourselves, out of loneliness by reaching out to those around us. Whether it’s making a phone call, sending a text, writing a card, or even chatting to the person standing next to us in the queue, it can all help. Giving the gift of your time to someone else, even for a quick cup of a tea and chat, could be one of the best presents you give this year – all for free.
If you’re feeling lonely yourself and you’re worried about reaching out, the person you contact may be feeling the same as you and your call might be the contact they needed too. We can never be sure of what someone else is going through.
Here are some other things you can do if you’d like to help someone else or if you’re feeling lonely yourself: