How to overcome loneliness during Canada’s long winters

Credit to Author: Carter Hammett| Date: Wed, 15 Jan 2025 13:28:29 +0000

Before COVID, before H1N1, before walking pneumonia, there was a different kind of pandemic — one that persists and continues to affect millions: loneliness.

Psychology Today defines loneliness as “the state of distress or discomfort that results when one perceives a gap between one’s desires for social connection and actual experiences of it.”

Photo by Gustav Lundborg

Indeed, as recently as September 2024, a staggering 60 per cent of Canadians felt disconnected from their communities, with 16 per cent stating they never feel a sense of community, according to an Angus Reid survey.

Similar surveys conducted by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) in 2022 found that Canadians between 18 and 39 reported the highest levels of anxiety, depression and loneliness at levels clocking in at 33.5 per cent.

The problem isn’t just limited to Canada either. In the United Kingdom, the issue has been considered severe enough to dedicate an entire ministry to address it.

How loneliness affects new Canadians

When the lens is turned upon new Canadians, many report facing barriers to establishing new relationships in their adopted countries as well as a sense of disruption in their social networks. Transitioning from a collectivist culture to one where the emphasis is on the individual can be a lot to absorb.  Furthermore, language barriers, cultural differences and stigma are among the variables that contribute to the sense of isolation and disconnect.

In addition to the impact on mental health, studies have linked loneliness to physical health issues such as cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure and increased morbidity and mortality. Loneliness has also shown to have a measurable impact on decreased cognitive flexibility and has been shown to have a negative impact on executive functioning, the part of the brain responsible for planning, organization and self-regulation.

Now that winter’s here, the shorter days and colder temperatures can impact our mood, contributing to a sense of loneliness and isolation. Cold is often associated with loneliness in part because new Canadians may be far more accustomed to warmer climates, and this can limit social interaction. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is another element that can play havoc with our emotional well-being, due to the shorter days and absence of natural light. About 18 per cent of all Canadians report being affected by SAD.

So, what can be done to combat loneliness during the cold, dark winter months?

Get outside! 

For one thing, consider embracing your situation – winter won’t be going away anytime soon! There are dozens of clubs across the country that welcome new Canadians to their folds. Consider organizations like Outward Bound (outwardbound.ca) which specializes in experiential outdoor education and can set up individualized programs especially for new Canadians living in Ontario, B.C. or Alta. In Quebec, Plein Air Intercultural (pleinairinterculturel.com)  introduces immigrants to a plethora of outdoor activities like camping, skiing and hiking.

Photo by Rahul Thakuri

Connect with community

Settlement agencies throughout the country play a key role in helping people feel connected. This can take many forms from setting up community kitchens and language training classes to organizing informal activities where you can meet others from your own community. If you live in Ontario, start with settlement.org and look under ‘community.’  If you live elsewhere, check out the newcomer services listed on ircc.canada.ca

Connect with yourself

Loneliness is really a poverty of the soul. It reduces your motivation and your sense of the world. By being curious you are naturally expanding your interest in the world beyond yourself. This mindset helps protect against issues like depression and anxiety by encouraging a willingness to explore the unknown rather than fear it. This can lead to greater self-awareness, improved resilience and empathy towards .

There is no magic bullet that will cure your sense of loneliness. It’s an emotion that is experienced differently by everyone, but by demonstrating a willingness to connect with yourself and the message your situation presents, you’ll be one step closer to embracing the possibilities of growth and reconciliation that loneliness offers.

Carter Hammett is a Toronto-based social worker, writer and trainer. He can be reached at  iwriteandedit@yahoo.com Visit his page at: https://authory.com/CarterHammett

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