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Coping with loneliness

Getting through the tough stuff

Coping with loneliness

2 min read

Mauriora

Cultural Identity

Te Oranga

Participation in Society

Loneliness is a very common experience – something most of us will feel from time to time. When we were creating this hub, ākonga (learners) said loneliness was one of the biggest challenges they were facing.

Loneliness is something you feel when you want to connect with others, but feel alone. You might literally be on your own, or you might have many people around you. Loneliness isn’t a reflection of how many people are physically present in your life.

 Some people mentioned experiencing loneliness because they were online or distance learners. Some were work-based learners who were the only apprentice or trainee in their workplace. Some had disabilities and health challenges and were living inand lived in environments that didn’t enable them to fully participate. Some were going through a loss, a breakup, or had just moved to a new place. Some simply felt unsure about how to get to know their classmates.

Whatever brought you to this page, the one thing we can say for sure is that if you’re feeling a bit lonely, you’re not alone. 

Dian stands in front of an group of trees with his arms crossed, smiling slightly

“In life, there are people whose voices will not get heard, such as those with disabilities or those for whom English isn’t a first language. Ask their opinion and give them time to answer. You will often find great ideas and different perspectives.”

Dian

Bachelor of Engineering (Civil)

Managing loneliness

Loneliness can make you feel unmotivated and trap you into a spiral of wanting to stay on your own but the best anecdote is to try to start connecting with other people again.

Here are some tips to help you get through

Phil leans against a wooden-panelled wall, smiling slightly into the distance.

“Talk to people, just say hi. You're always going to be nervous but saying hi isn't a big deal. If you say hi to someone who knows, you might learn a bit more about them and make some new friends along the way.”

Phil

Certificate in Fashion Design