Learning to cope with loneliness starts with understanding what it is, and the World Health Organization says it is a widespread problem: about one in six people worldwide experience it.
The WHO describes loneliness as the distress that comes from a gap between the relationships a person wants and the ones they have. It separates that from social isolation, which it defines as an objective lack of adequate social connections, according to a June 2025 WHO report. The agency links loneliness to about 871,000 deaths a year. This article is general information, not medical advice.
1. Know what you are feeling
Loneliness and being alone are not the same. A Psychology Today column notes that a person can be alone without feeling lonely, depending on how comfortable they are with solitude. To cope with loneliness, it helps to name the feeling accurately and decide what you need.
2. Protect solitude you choose
Time alone that you pick can be restful. Another Psychology Today piece describes chosen solitude as a way to gain clarity and process life events, in contrast to loneliness, which is unwanted. If you want quiet time, you do not need to treat it as a problem. If you want company and lack it, the next steps may help.
3. Start small to cope with loneliness
You do not need a big social overhaul. Reaching out to one person, joining one group or returning to the same place each week are low-pressure ways to begin. The WHO says social connection is a public health issue and calls for stronger community spaces, so look for local options such as libraries and community centers. For related ideas, see our guides on adult friendships and handling relationship conflict.
4. Spend time in nature
Psychology Today reports that research suggests nature may buffer the effects of low social connection. It is not a replacement for human relationships, but a walk outdoors may help you cope with loneliness and support your mood while you build them.
5. Be cautious with AI companions
Research on chatbot companions is mixed. A Harvard Business School working paper found that short chats with an AI companion reduced loneliness about as much as talking with a person, but only over days to a week. A Stanford study of 1,131 Character.AI users found that people with smaller real-world networks who relied heavily on chatbots for emotional support reported lower well-being, Stanford reported.
If you struggle to cope with loneliness and it is affecting your daily life, consider talking with a doctor or a licensed mental health professional.
For more on stress and daily habits, read our piece on clutter and stress.
