1. Remember that we all feel lonely at times – and many feel lonely a lot of the time.

2. Find something you enjoy and that interests you. Being absorbed in your passion can change the way you feel.

3. Don’t think that sex will help to fill the emptiness. It won’t bring lasting meaning or fulfilment to your life. In fact, you’re likely to feel lonelier, and more dissatisfied.

4. Even if you’re in a happy, and strong, relationship you can’t expect your partner to meet your every need. We still need other friends, and other things that we can do.

5. Make sure that you’re not living in some kind of fantasy – through films, gaming characters, or always being online. It’s an imaginary world and can never satisfy. You need to live in the real world and work on real relationships.

6. Don’t wait for other people to get in touch with you. Call your friends, or arrange something for everyone to do.

7. Don’t turn to drugs or alcohol to block out how you feel. It’s a temporary solution, and won’t help in the end.