Student life, Loneliness & mental health

Did you move from the other side of the world to go to school? 
Are you living in your family home while attending University?
Maybe you moved from another city or town?

It does not matter where you come from or if you have moved, you are susceptible to feelings of loneliness. When we are lonely we are prone to do things we might not normally do. We want to turn that into a positive and move our mental and emotional health forward.

There’s lots to say about the “why” behind loneliness but rather than focus in on that we would like to give you a few pointers on how to fight it.

1. Get Your Nerve Up - Even if you are an extrovert it is not easy to put yourself out there to meet new people. Recognizing that the people around you are feeling the same way can take some of that natural anxiety away.
2. Join A Community - Being part of a regular gathering of people who want to know you and who you want to get to know takes commitment but it reaps great rewards. Being consistent means you can be trusted and that builds relationships quicker. Consider joining a student group that meets regularly. 
3. Look For People NOT Like You - Now is a great time to get to know people who you might not normally cross paths with. Be purposeful about looking for opportunities to find these connections. Consider becoming a member of a local church where you can get to know people from different nations and generations. (look for an upcoming post mental health and spirituality)

We gravitate to what is familiar and known, especially when we are lonely. But this can be a great time to step outside of what we know and try something new. Consider picking up a new hobby, joininga study group with peers from your class or creating your own study group.

Building new relationships takes time and effort but we have a deep longing to be known. It is worth being vulnerable in order to be known.


“Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art.... It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things which give value to survival.” 
― C.S. Lewis, The Four Loves

---