Question: If someone is already involved as a volunteer and has some minimal interactions with others before/during/after classes but still feels very lonely, what would you recommend to help them feel less lonely?–

It sounds like you have already taken some steps to feel more engaged with other people who might share the same values and interests. If you are volunteering on campus, it is a great way to begin making connections, and these can bring more opportunities to connect, and so on (and I thank you for volunteering!). Often, focusing on activities and interests that are enjoyable (hobbies, sports, your studies, etc.) can lead to an increase in positive thoughts and feelings. Hopefully your volunteering is enjoyable.

But being with people does not always address loneliness. Sometimes feelings are complex and loneliness can include shades of sadness, and depressed emotional states interfere with feeling connected with ourselves and others.  As well, when we experience intense emotions, such as grief, we can feel alone with our suffering. Loneliness can also emerge when we are fearful of sharing the kinds of things about ourselves that could lead to deeper and more meaningful connections that can dispel loneliness.

Although the complexity of a feeling such as loneliness makes it difficult give specific advice, I hope the examples above help you to consider what might be getting in the way of feeling connected so that you can address these barriers. As well, you already identify some possible room for change when you describe minimal interactions with others before/during/after classes. Are there opportunities there for feeling more connected by creating study groups? Time spent supporting each other to learn, and then chatting over a coffee break, might help to better know others and be more known by others.

I hope this is helpful. As always, you are free to come into counselling to talk more about your specific experiences and ways of addressing your concerns.

All the best,

Mirjam