Two undergraduates, Rosie Taylor and Stephanie McNair, come together for this podcast to talk about loneliness. More and more people, of all ages, are reporting feeling lonely, and we know that this is bad for our physical and mental health. Rosie Taylor is LGBT+ Officer at the Students’ Association. Rosie and Stephanie give voice to how some of this feels, and how shame and self-judgement worsen loneliness because they make us hide ourselves away. They share their experiences of starting university, or returning after taking a year out, of the pros and cons of social media, and of how smartphones can be both social aids and social barriers. You will hear in this podcast about how connectedness is a basic human need, physiologically and mentally, and releases helpful chemicals in the brain. We talk about how we can coach our shame or inner critic; how making friends involves some courage but that others often meet our fears with compassion; and how we can connect with ourselves and so turn loneliness into an enriching solitude, which is a great base from which to form friendship. We also talk in this podcast about being on your own at Christmas, and invite University of Edinburgh students to email Eleri Connick, [email protected], if you do not join family or friends over the Christmas period, and are alone in Edinburgh when the University is closed. Eleri is organising Christmas lunches for those who are here. SupportPlease use the following information if any of the issues discussed in this podcast have affected you and you’d like support. If you feel that you or someone you are with is in danger right now, please call 999. You can also contact the NHS 24 hour emergency mental health assessment service on 0131 537 6000. 24/7 helplines Breathing Space: 0800 83 85 87 The Samaritans: 08457 90 90 90 Edinburgh Crisis Centre: 0808 801 0414University support Nightline Student Counselling Service Staff Counselling Service The Listening Service (for students and staff) at the Chaplaincy: [email protected]; 0131 650 2595