As a college student, loneliness can be hard to handle. Comparing your social life to the lives of your peers, along with a constant fear of missing out, tends to make it frustrating to feel lonely. Loneliness can be especially difficult for students with mental health disorders. This does not mean, however, that feeling alone is a sign of mental illness. While loneliness is sometimes an aspect of conditions like major depressive disorder (MDD), anyone can feel alone.

When you’re feeling this way, it is important to remember that you are not alone in feeling alone. Studies show that loneliness is actually widespread among students. Factors that can play a role include gender and economic status. So why does it sometimes feel like you’re the only one who feels alone? There are a few answers to this. One major reason is social media. People tend to put only the best sides of their lives online, which can make it feel like everyone else is always having a great time. This is not really true. Fortunately, loneliness is not unchangeable. There are steps you can take to feel less alone on campus. By actively working to feel less alone, you can improve your social life and your mental wellness.

Ways to fight loneliness on campus

• Joining clubs — College campuses typically contain plenty of student-run clubs, organizations and other extracurriculars. These groups tend to encompass a wide range of interests. You may find group activities ranging from knitting clubs to volleyball teams. Regardless of your hobbies, there is likely to be a group that matches some of your interests. By joining a club, you can immerse yourself in your vibrant campus community. Clubs and other organizations are great for meeting like-minded peers and developing lasting friendships. If you are feeling isolated on campus, joining a club can be a fun way to expand your social circle.
• Attending events — Do you feel like you don’t have much going on outside of your classes? Keep an eye out for campus events. College organizations often host fun events such as movie screenings and cultural festivals throughout the semester. Attending these events can help you get out and meet new people. Going to an event hosted by a specific organization you’re interested in can also be a good opportunity to learn more about that group and start the process of joining up. 
• Volunteering — Passionate about a cause and want to make a difference? Volunteering your time and skills can be a fulfilling experience that also provides plenty of social opportunities. College campuses generally have a variety of available routes for volunteering. From campus clean-up initiatives to local charity drives, volunteering can offer lasting benefits to yourself and your community.
• Utilizing campus resources — Universities often offer on-campus mental health resources. If you think your feelings of isolation might be connected to an underlying mental health condition, these resources can help. Resources your college may offer include peer support groups and counseling services. In most cases, you do not need to have a diagnosed condition to access these services. Regardless of whether you have a diagnosis, on-campus counseling can be highly valuable.
• Joining support groups — Support groups are a good way to share your feelings with a supportive community. Connecting with peers who relate to your struggles can provide validation, support and a sense of belonging. In addition to on-campus support groups, you can also find great communities online. A free online mental health support group can be a great place to collaborate with peers on the road to mental health wellness.
• Attending therapy — Psychotherapy can be a great way to work through feelings of loneliness. You don’t need to have a diagnosis to benefit from counseling and other mental health treatment strategies. Looking for an effective approach to therapy? One great form of therapy is process-based therapy (PBT), which you can think of as a fully personalized framework using the most effective aspects of evidence-based modalities, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and cognitive processing therapy (CPT) as well as compassion-based and somatic therapies, to target the drivers behind mental health disorders and symptoms.

Lightfully U can help you address your loneliness

Are you concerned that your loneliness might be a sign of an underlying mental health condition? Lightfully U is here to help. With a comprehensive evaluation, we can help you get a better understanding of your condition and what you can do to address it. We offer a range of data-based, compassion-driven treatment options designed to help you address your symptoms.

Contact us to learn more about the ways we promote mental wellness. Change is possible. Feel ready to seek professional mental health treatment? We can take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.