There are endless reasons why we experience loneliness, and each is as valid as the last. If you feel lonely, it can help to talk to someone you trust.
Alternatively, a healthcare professional or a therapist, which you can often access free through the NHS or charities like CALM. Sometimes the answer is closer than you think, thanks to the breadth of new mental health apps.
Can tech help?
Away from the pressures of social media, apps can put us in touch with people who are going through a similar situation. We’ve listed our pick of the best to help you get back on track. Remember, it’s best to take small steps at first, so try mindfulness before jumping into meetups if that feels comfortable.
7 apps for loneliness
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Meetup
It’s much easier to meet new people when you have a common interest. That’s where Meetup comes in. The app works like a directory for local groups and events listings, whether you’re looking for a new football team or want to talk about arts and crafts with like-minded individuals.
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TalkLife
Everyone needs a safe space where they can share how they feel. As for having someone to talk to, it sometimes helps to open up to complete strangers, and that’s why TalkLife is so useful. The app instantly connects you with people who are supportive, ready to listen and there to give advice.
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Huggle
Huggle was created for people seeking friendship away from dating apps. A fairly new app, it works by matching you with others based on your frequently visited locations. For instance, your favourite coffee shop or museum. Huggle is loved by people who have moved somewhere new.
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Hey! VINA
Hey! Vina is a female-only app for finding new friends and groups. Like Huggle, it’s great if you’re put off by dating apps and just want to meet new friends. It functions a little like Tinder in that you can swipe and arrange to meet with people, but the objective is new adventures and experiences.
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Youper
A personal trainer for your mind, Youper uses AI to help you understand your emotions. You can track your moods and keep a feelings diary to help you make arrangements or mentally prepare yourself if you feel a lull coming on. You can tell Youper anything, and the app will talk back to you.
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Predictable
Not everyone who feels lonely has a voice. Predictable was invented to help people who have lost the ability to speak through illness or an impairment. You can use it to express yourself, thanks to an AI keyboard and speaker that auto completes sentences and has options for clapping and laughter.
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Happify
Happify is built around cognitive behavioural therapy games and activities to boost your mood and wellbeing. The app has been developed by scientists to help you take control of any negative feelings and give you the confidence to meet others. Remember, it’s perfectly normal to feel lonely from time to time. If you’re self-isolating, our guide to loneliness when self-isolating has more advice on how to keep your mind healthy. It does get better.
Dr Julie Smith: Your toolkit for mental health
If you’re part of Julie’s social media audience of three million, you’ll already know how brilliant she is at distilling complex mental health issues and creating simple tools you can use if you want to know how to improve your own mental wellbeing. Here Dr Julie and Gemma discuss:
- What is self-compassion?
- The difference between low mood and depression
- why values are more important than self-esteem
Dr Julie Smith: Your toolkit for mental health
Last updated: 10 June 2022