Addressing Loneliness in Canada for Immigrants

If you’ve been feeling lonely after moving to Canada, you’re far from alone. Building a new life in a new country takes time, and feelings of loneliness are a common part of that adjustment process. The good news is that many resources across Canada can help you build social connections and feel more at home.

Key Takeaways

• Loneliness is a common experience among newcomers to Canada.
• Language barriers, cultural differences, and disrupted social networks can make it harder to build connections after immigration.
• Settlement services, volunteer opportunities, hobby groups, and community organizations can help newcomers build friendships and social support.
• Mental health support is available through both public and private channels in Canada.
• Taking small, consistent steps to connect with others can make a meaningful difference over time.

Why Loneliness Happens When You Move to a New Country

Moving to Canada often means leaving behind a home, close friends, extended family, professional networks, religious communities, and routines that took years to build. Even when your move is positive, those relationships and support systems can’t be replaced overnight.

Language and cultural barriers can also make it more difficult to form new social connections. Conversations in your second or third language require more effort than they did in your home country. Workplace expectations may feel unfamiliar. Activities that once felt routine may suddenly require research and planning.

Many newcomers also experience culture shock as they adjust to Canadian life. Things like transportation systems, social norms, workplace culture, weather (especially if you arrive in the winter!), and even casual conversations can feel unfamiliar at first.

These experiences are a natural response to a major life transition. Building a new social network takes time, and most newcomers need a period of adjustment before they begin to feel settled in their new community.

According to Statistics Canada compared to Canadian born population counterpart, immigrants who migrated as adults are in 1.6 times greater risk of loneliness. This number is even higher among women, who are significantly more likely to experience loneliness than men.

Isolation and Loneliness Among Immigrants

Social isolation and loneliness are related but slightly different experiences.

A person may have very few social contacts and feel socially isolated. Another person may interact with people every day but still feel lonely if they lack meaningful social connections.

Loneliness Among Recent Immigrants

Both recent and long-term immigrants report higher loneliness scores than Canadian-born residents, but recent immigrants face the steepest adjustment period. This is because recent newcomers are simultaneously learning a new city, adapting to a new culture, improving language skills, and establishing themselves in a new jobs market.

These responsibilities can leave little time to build friendships and social connections. It may seem simple, but for many newcomers, some of the most effective ways to reduce loneliness include strategies to get out and meet people, especially people who can understand how you’re feeling.

This might include things like participating in newcomer orientation programs, taking language classes or attending community events. Any way you can get out in the world, out of your own head, and talking to people who will listen.

Loneliness Among Long-Term Immigrants

Loneliness is not only a challenge for recent immigrants. Long-term immigrants may continue to experience loneliness even after many years in Canada. This is nothing to be ashamed of. Many communities are facing rising rates of loneliness, in some ways it seems emblematic of our technologically, algorithmically divided society, regardless of immigration status.

As time passes, relationships in a person’s country of origin may change. Family members age, friendships evolve, and life circumstances shift. Some immigrants find themselves feeling disconnected from both their home country and their new country at different stages of life.

This is especially true as immigrants get older, becoming senior citizens. Social isolation increases the risk of poor health outcomes for immigrant and refugee seniors. According to government data, 19.2 percent of older Canadians experienced loneliness in 2019/2020. This can be exacerbated by other factors, like language proficiency, with some reports estimating that 50.1 percent of immigrants over 65 who arrived in the last decade do not know English or French.

Building long-term social connections often requires continued involvement in community activities or cultural organizations. Many immigrants find that taking on leadership roles within their communities helps strengthen their sense of belonging and connection over time.

Mental Health Impacts Of Loneliness in Canada

Loneliness and social isolation can affect both mental and physical health.

Moving to a new country involves multiple sources of stress at the same time. Newcomers may be adapting to a different culture, building a new social network, finding employment, navigating immigration requirements, and adjusting to life away from family and friends.

When these challenges occur simultaneously, they can contribute to anxiety, depression, sleep difficulties, chronic and multiple stress symptoms like high blood pressure and other mental health concerns. Some newcomers find that feelings of loneliness gradually improve as they settle into their new routines. Others may find that loneliness begins affecting their daily life, relationships, or overall well-being.

If your feelings of loneliness are becoming overwhelming, it may be helpful to speak with a mental health professional.

In Canada, mental health care is available through a variety of channels. The majority of Canadian mental health clinicians operate in private practice. Their services are offered to anyone but are typically not eligible to be covered under provincial healthcare plans.

Many of these mental health clinicians, like therapists or social workers, price their services on a sliding scale, offering different per-session prices depending on the client’s income level and the services they require. For example, marital or family therapy is often priced differently than a session with an individual client.

In addition to the many clinicians operating in private practice, there are robust mental health supports available to Canadians in hospitals and other inpatient settings. These clinicians focus on treating mental health concerns but may also be able to prescribe medications like antidepressants.

Practical Ways to Build Community and Reconnect with Loved Ones

There is no single solution to loneliness, but there are many practical ways to strengthen your social connections after moving to Canada.

Volunteer

A great way to find and immerse yourself in a community in Canada is through volunteer work.

Many volunteers develop friendships through shared activities and regular interaction. Volunteering can also help newcomers gain Canadian experience, improve language skills, and expand professional networks. Researchers have found that volunteer work helps to improve our overall health and can even mitigate feelings of loneliness.

Organizations such as VolunteerMatch, Volunteer Canada, and local community centres often maintain listings of volunteer opportunities.

Journal

Journaling is a great way to connect with your feelings and understand why you feel the way you do. Writing down and exploring your feelings can help you feel calmer and make it easier to move past negative emotions that may be holding you back.

Connect with Other Newcomers

Few people understand the immigration experience better than someone who has gone through it themselves.

Many settlement agencies organize newcomer events, networking sessions, language exchanges, and social activities specifically designed to help newcomers connect with one another. This resource from the Canadian government makes it easy to find newcomer services in your area.

Join Community Activities

Community centres, libraries, sports leagues, arts organizations, and neighbourhood associations regularly host activities that make it easier to meet people with similar interests.

Joining a recurring activity is often more effective than attending a one-time event because it creates opportunities for relationships to develop gradually.

Explore Hobbies and Faith Communities

Here’s a bit of Canadian lore for you: In the late 1990s, a commercial blasted across Canadian television, informing Canadian children that an important part of childhood was finding a hobby, figuring out what your “thing” was:

“Nobody’s good at everything,” the advertisement says. “But, everybody’s good at something.”

That’s a lesson that many of us forget to carry forward into our adult lives. What’s your thing? Something you enjoy doing, but it doesn’t have to make you money or cause you stress. Whether you’re interested in hiking, photography, gardening, board games, fitness, music, or – as the crazy kid in the commercial says: dinosaurs – Canada has thousands of local groups that bring people together around shared interests.

These environments often make conversations feel more natural because participants already have something in common.

Set Small Social Goals

Building a social network can feel overwhelming if you focus on making close friendships immediately. Instead, try setting small goals such as attending one community event each month, introducing yourself to a neighbour, joining a local group, or scheduling a weekly call with loved ones back home.

Small actions performed consistently often lead to meaningful relationships over time.

Free Health Services for Newcomers

If loneliness is affecting your well-being, there are Canadian health care services available to newcomers. Your first step should be understanding your eligibility for provincial health coverage and registering as soon as possible after arriving in Canada.

Depending on your province, you may also have access to health care and social supports through the following resources:

• Community health centres.
• Public mental health programs.
• Settlement agency counselling services.
• Crisis and support lines.
• Telehealth services.
• Hospital-based mental health services.

Some community organizations specifically provide culturally competent care for newcomers and may offer services in multiple languages. If accessing in-person care is difficult, telehealth and virtual counselling services may also be available.

Mental Health Support in the Canadian Health Care System

If you feel your loneliness is linked to a mental health concern, seeking professional support can be an important step.

Mental health care in Canada is available through a variety of channels.

Many psychologists, therapists, and social workers operate private practices. These services are typically paid privately, although many practitioners offer sliding-scale pricing based on income.

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health. In many cases, psychiatric services may be covered by provincial health insurance when accessed through a referral.

Hospitals and community clinics may also provide publicly funded mental health services, although wait times can vary depending on location and demand.

Exploring Coverage for Mental Health Care in Canada

In Canada, getting mental health care covered depends on various factors.

Different provinces have different rules, but generally, outpatient therapy that takes place in a private setting is not covered under provincial health plans. However, if an individual is cared for by a psychiatrist or psychotherapist in a hospital or other inpatient setting like a doctor’s office, the care may be covered.

Additionally, if you get a referral to a psychiatrist through your doctor, this care may be covered under your provincial health plan. However, wait times for these referral slots can range from weeks to months.

Some provinces and groups also offer subsidized mental health care through community clinics and centres designed to assist a particular population, like LGBTQ+ Canadians or people experiencing homelessness.

Private health insurance

If you have a private health insurance plan through an employer, union, or school, be sure to look up what mental health benefits you may have. Many private health insurance plans offer a set amount of money to be put toward mental health care.

If you’re unsure of what to look for in a private health insurance plan, our friends at Cigna Healthcare can help. Check out their site today for a quick and easy quote for health insurance that works for your needs.

Settlement Services

Settlement agencies are often one of the best resources available to newcomers who are experiencing loneliness.

These organizations can help newcomers meet other newcomers and build social networks through community programs. Settlement agencies often offer or can recommend programs for language training, employment services, and mental health supports.

Many settlement services are offered free of charge and are specifically designed to help immigrants adjust to life in Canada.

Preventive Actions for Individuals and Service Providers

Addressing loneliness works best when both newcomers and community organizations take active steps to foster connection. For newcomers, this may involve practicing self-compassion, seeking social opportunities, maintaining regular contact with loved ones, and participating in community activities.

For service providers, it can mean developing multilingual outreach materials, creating mentorship programs, training staff on cultural context, and establishing buddy systems that help newcomers build local connections.

Small interventions can often make a significant difference in helping someone feel welcomed and supported.

Policy, Research, and Program Recommendations Among Immigrant Stakeholders

As Canada’s newcomer population continues to grow, loneliness and social isolation deserve greater attention from policymakers, researchers, health professionals, and settlement organizations.

Programs that strengthen social participation, improve access to language training, support community-based activities, and connect newcomers with local residents can help reduce social isolation and improve overall well-being.

Partnerships between health care providers, community organizations, and settlement agencies can also make support services easier for newcomers to access.

FAQ: Loneliness in Canada Among Immigrants

How to deal with loneliness as an immigrant?

Start by recognizing that loneliness is a common part of the immigration journey.

Building friendships and community connections takes time. Focus on creating opportunities for regular social interaction through volunteering, newcomer programs, community activities, hobby groups, and settlement services.

If loneliness begins affecting your mental health, consider speaking with a mental health professional or settlement counsellor.

What is immigrant syndrome?

“Immigrant syndrome” is an informal term sometimes used by researchers and mental health professionals to describe the stress that can accompany major life changes related to immigration.

Moving to a new country often means adapting to a new culture, rebuilding social networks, navigating unfamiliar systems, and spending time away from family members and loved ones. These challenges can create significant emotional strain, particularly during the first few years after arrival.

While immigrant syndrome is not a formal medical diagnosis, it reflects the reality that immigration can be both exciting and stressful at the same time. If those feelings begin affecting your mental health or daily life, professional support may help.

What should you do when you feel lonely in Canada?

If you feel lonely in Canada, try taking one small step toward connection.

That might mean attending a community event, joining a volunteer organization, signing up for a class, contacting a settlement agency, or reaching out to another newcomer.

Loneliness often improves gradually as social connections develop. Seeking support early can make the adjustment process easier and help you feel more at home in your new community.

If your loneliness is persistent or it is impacting your daily life, consider speaking to a mental health professional who can help you determine a strategy to address your feelings. Remember: you’re not alone and there are resources and support systems in place to help you.

When to seek immediate help?

Feeling lonely after moving to Canada is common, but persistent loneliness can sometimes develop into more serious mental health concerns.

If you are experiencing severe anxiety, depression, thoughts of self-harm, or are concerned about your safety or the safety of someone else, seek help immediately.

• Call 9-1-1 if there is an immediate emergency.
• Call or text 9-8-8, Canada’s Suicide Crisis Helpline, for free, confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• Visit your nearest emergency department if you require urgent mental health care.
• Contact a local crisis line, health care provider, settlement organization, or trusted family member or friend for support.

You do not need to navigate a mental health crisis alone, and support is available across Canada.