Everyone goes through lonely patches. But sometimes, for many different reasons, feelings of loneliness can become persistent. If you relate to any these symptoms of chronic loneliness, you may benefit from reaching out to one of 5 free support hotlines in Spain.

Increased feelings of stress or anxiety.
Feeling that nobody "gets" you.
Finding it hard to relate to others.
Wanting to connect with others but feeling held back by social anxiety.
Feeling that life is meaningless.
Loss of confidence.
Increased desire to binge-watch TV shows or movies.
Connecting with people on a shallow level only.

When loneliness is experienced for a long time, it's usually because you're not connecting with others on a deep level. People were made to experience meaningful connections, so when we feel disconnected from others, it can have a negative impact on our wellbeing.

You may be reluctant to ask for help, especially if it feels like nobody will relate to you and understand what you're going through. But getting help can relieve the emotional burden you're carrying and help you feel less isolated. There are compassionate helpline volunteers and counselors in Spain that want to support you.

If you think you might need support with loneliness, consider contacting a helpline in Spain for free, confidential help.