Being an Immigrant in Canada
Moving to a new country may seem like an exciting fresh start, but immigration is not just a change of geographic location — it is also a restructuring of a person's social networks, identity, and emotional security. Research conducted in Canada shows that both newly arrived and long-settled immigrants report higher levels of loneliness compared to the established population. In both our clinical work and our own personal experiences, we frequently encounter this sense of loneliness that follows immigration. Unfortunately, spending more time in the host country does not automatically reduce loneliness on its own; in fact, as ties to one's home country weaken over time, feelings of loneliness can actually increase.
The Main Causes of Loneliness in Immigration
Loneliness is a subjective feeling that arises when a person's existing social relationships fail to meet their expectations, whether in quantity or quality. Research shows that this feeling stems both from a lack of close personal bonds (emotional loneliness) and from a sense of not belonging to a wider social circle (social loneliness). This is why loneliness can also be seen within couples or families.
The main factors that trigger loneliness among immigrants include:
Weakening of Social Connections: The immigration process disrupts family and friendship networks across borders. During the crises that are quite normal in the immigration process, individuals may no longer be able to get the same support from their social network as before. The main reasons for this can include the time difference with Canada, connections back home having no knowledge of Canada or being unaware of the immigrant experience, and attitudes in the home country such as "you moved abroad, don't complain" or "come back if it's too hard."
Language and Communication Barriers: Not being fluent in the official language or struggling to express emotions in daily life can get in the way of forming deep friendships.
Differences in Relational Culture and Loss of Role/Status: In one's country of origin, bonds such as neighborly and workplace friendships tend to form more warmly and spontaneously (assuming a collectivist culture of origin), whereas in more individualistic societies like Canada, relationships being perceived as more distant can deepen loneliness. In addition, when individuals who held a respected status or family authority in their own community lose these roles in the new country, it can lead to a crisis of purpose and belonging.
Economic Worries and a Busy Pace of Life: The stress of job hunting, lengthy credential-recognition processes, or family members' long working hours that leave little time together all reinforce feelings of loneliness.
Climate and Physical Isolation: Canada's long, harsh winters limit physical mobility, leading people to spend more time at home, which in turn narrows opportunities for social interaction.
Ways to Cope with Loneliness as an Immigrant
Research confirms that while loneliness is a risk factor, perceived social support is the strongest protective shield for psychological well-being and life satisfaction. This is why, even though the natural stressors that come with immigration are simply a part of our lives, we can, with some changes, control how we deal with those stressors.
Active Community Building: While social bonds form naturally in your home country, in the country you've immigrated to, you need to build those bonds intentionally. Attending community events, joining clubs, or volunteering are the first steps to breaking loneliness. A couple of examples of steps I've taken to build my own circle are a craft group and a book club I attend once a month in the city I live in.
Staying Connected to Your Cultural Roots: Being in solidarity with people from your own culture and mother tongue increases perceived social support. Cultural belonging serves a protective function against the acculturation stress that comes with immigration.
Developing Physical and Social Routines: Despite the harsh winter conditions, making the most of daylight, staying physically active, and building daily routines that maintain mental focus support your biological rhythm and sense of familiarity.
Making Use of Official and Local Support Services: Taking part in accessible programs offered by immigrant service centers, such as language courses and social groups, makes social integration easier.
While loneliness may seem, to some extent, like an unavoidable part of the immigration journey, taking steps to increase social support and seeking professional support when needed can turn this process into an experience of adaptation and growth.
Duygu Cankaya Cadircioglu
Registered Psychotherapist
Sources:
Ortiz Loaiza, P., Spitzer, D. L., & Zaky, R. (2024). Chapter 6. Loneliness Kills: Social Support and Social Interactions as Determinants of Aging Well and Inclusion Among Arabic- and Spanish-Speaking Senior Immigrants in Ottawa. In Intersections of Aging and Immigration: The Promise and Paradox of a Better Life. Toronto Metropolitan University Pressbooks.
Stick, M., Hou, F., & Kaida, L. (2021). Self-reported loneliness among recent immigrants, long-term immigrants, and Canadian-born individuals. Economic and Social Reports, Statistics Canada (Cat. No. 36-28-0001).
Su, C., Yang, L., Dong, L., & Zhang, W. (2022). The Psychological Well-Being of Older Chinese Immigrants in Canada amidst COVID-19: The Role of Loneliness, Social Support, and Acculturation. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(14), 8612.
