Dealing with loneliness
It can happen to anyone: loneliness. For example, you may feel lonely after a move or divorce. Or if someone who was important to you passes away. Or if you have little money which often prevents you from participating. But also by illness or mental health problems.
What can the Social Team do for you?
Do you feel lonely and want to do something about it? Feel free to contact the Wassenaar Social Team. An employee will listen to your story and help you on your way. For example, you can meet people through a community center, association or volunteer work. You can also get support, for example if you are a caregiver and have little time for yourself. Or if you cannot manage to go to other places yourself.
Types of loneliness
There are different types of loneliness. Perhaps you recognize yourself in one of the types below. If you do not recognize yourself in any of them, that is not a problem. The Social Team will help you with what you need.
Examples of types of loneliness:
- In social loneliness, you know few people who are somewhat like you. For example, people with the same interests or humor. Or people who have experienced the same things as you or find the same things important in life.
- With emotional loneliness, you are missing one person in your life with whom you feel a real connection. Like a partner or best friend.
What is there to do in Wassenaar if you want to meet other people?
There is a lot to do in Wassenaar if you are feeling lonely. And you may also be able to get support. You can read about it in De Wassenaarse Krant, for example.
Examples of activities and support:
- fun, creative and sports activities in community centers
- social contacts and knowledge are important to our health and happiness through SMOW
- Getting to know people and helping each other at a Neighborhood Circle
- doing fun things with local people at Amarosa's meeting points
- volunteering through WassenaarDoet.nl
- Activities for a healthy and active life through Fit in Wassenaar
- Support with money problems and administration
- support if you care for someone for a long time (informal care)
- fun and educational afternoons of Together - Being 22, part of the Silent Force
The Wassenaar Social Team will be happy to tell you more about this.
What else can you do?
There are also many organizations outside Wassenaar that want to help you with loneliness. For example, online or with a special phone number:
Websites about loneliness
There are many websites that can help you if you are feeling lonely. For example, these 2 websites:
Talking to someone on a special phone number
Sometimes you just want to talk to someone about how you are feeling. Especially with someone you don't know, you often feel free to say anything. There are special telephone numbers (helplines) if you want to talk to someone. See which helpline is right for you.
Contact with people with the same disease
Are you feeling lonely because of problems with your health? You can often get to know people through a patient association.
Ask your doctor if there is a patient association for your illness, disability or mental health symptoms. You can also find many on the website of the Patients Federation of the Netherlands.