Loneliness at a Glance

Many people struggle with loneliness, but it is how someone deals with loneliness that is key. 

Apollo Soto, a linguistics major, said he experienced loneliness when he came to Fresno State, but he appreciates the efforts made to welcome new students to campus.

“I’ve seen a couple of posters, I think, where it’s like speed dating, but it’s not speed dating. It’s like speed friendships. I think stuff like that is awesome,” Soto said.

Fourth-year English major Sara Ohler has also experienced loneliness and worries about how it may contribute to mental health issues.

“I think that with students feeling lonely and having a hard time making friends on campus, I think that relates to just like a loneliness epidemic,” Ohler said. “I think that is contributed to social media and how a lot of students are on it all the time.”

Events like friendship speed dating can be crucial for students, especially when battling loneliness and depression.

The health center provides other events that can help when students feel alone, especially when it gets hard.

Danielle Mendoza, a mental health educator, says these events can help students feel a sense of community. 

“I know that we’re trying to really push for our group counseling sessions,” said Mendoza. “I know that’s super specific for anxiety, for depression, for relationships, for grief, but you can make so many connections and like really strong connections.”

Mendoza said it is still important to prioritize yourself and to always remember that it will be OK even when it doesn’t seem like it. 

Visit the Fresno State Health and Counseling Center for more information on how you can get help and to find out about upcoming events this semester.