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Even if your parents are pretty busy, you might have a relative, coach, clergy member, friend's parent, or neighbor who can hang out. They can give you some time and positive attention, and maybe teach you some things that they are good at. Building a relationship with someone other than your parents can help you develop interpersonal skills, and raise your self-esteem and self-confidence. Join a club or sports team in your school or community. This can help you find mentors and friends, and give you a feeling of belonging and accomplishment. Look for groups and activities that match well with your skills and interests. For example, if you love to sing, you might join a youth choir at your school or a cultural center in your area. If you're more athletic, sign up a team sport like soccer or softball. You don't need to get attention only from your parents or other adults. Your friends and siblings will often be free and happy to hang out with you. Walk up to them, or pick up the phone, and ask if and when they are free to spend time with you. Making new friends can feel empowering, so don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone to meet new people. Animals and pets make us happy because they offer us love and companionship. If your family doesn't have a pet, you could look to friends' pets or neighbor pets. Try becoming a dog walker, cat sitter, or volunteer at an animal shelter. Loneliness can be a difficult feeling, and if you are struggling to manage it, you can get help. Therapy can give you the means to express your emotions and help you better understand what you're going through. You may need your parents' permission to see a therapist, so use this opportunity to talk to them about how you feel. Here are some reasons you might want to talk to a counselor: You don't know how to cope with your feelings. You feel like acting out, or hurting yourself, to get attention (for example, causing trouble at school). You feel like hiding from your friends and family. You feel tired, and find it hard to enjoy anything. Your parents aren't meeting your basic needs (food, water, shelter), or they are being very mean to you (humiliating, name-calling, etc.).
Get attention from a mentor. Find a group that shares your interests. Look to your friends and your siblings. Spend time with pets. Talk to a counselor if you are really having a hard time.