Beyond Loneliness
When Amie's mother came to Canada from the Philippines, her mother become lonely and depressed. Without her social connections and experiencing difficulties with culture shock and the English language, she struggled to find independence and a new community. This experience deeply affected Amie, and she founded Beyond the Conversation, an organization that brings together seniors, new immigrants, refugees, international students, and youth.
Connecting Generations
In Toronto, a child care centre and long-term care home share space and programming, connecting children and families with older adults. This unique intergenerational approach is mutually beneficial—residents build social connections with toddlers and their families, and toddlers and families learn important lessons around community and inclusion. Learn how Kipling Early Learning & Child Care Centre and Kipling Acres successfully bridges generations to support social connection.
Now There Is Someone to Call On
Around 30% of seniors have no one to call on, whether they need help or just a simple conversation, and research shows that isolated seniors experience poorer mental and physical health than seniors with strong social connections. Allies in Aging is a partnership between agencies throughout Metro Vancouver to help connect people who are isolated with volunteers, service providers, and outreach initiatives. From simply inviting seniors together for a meal or successfully advocating for better transportation services, Allies in Aging helps seniors expand their social connections with dignity and confidence.
Looking Beyond Differences to End Adolescent Social Isolation
Laura's daughter Lili passed away in high school due to complications of a genetic disorder that marked her as different; at her memorial, her peers realized just how alone Lili really felt. Lili's family and classmates started Beyond Differences, an organization that helps students, teachers, and school counsellors build more inclusive schools. Learn more about this important work, their No One Eats Alone™ Day and other campaigns, find resources and materials, and see what a difference belonging can make.
Falling into the Depths of Loneliness
Jay was committed to his family and had a successful career, but depression and anxiety became overwhelming. Hoping that it would pass, he isolated himself. Separated from his wife and children, alone, and struggling at work, he eventually realized that he had to seek help—and find his own path to recovery.
Quest for Connection
Liberty attempted suicide three years ago, but with the right support, she was able to finish her Grade 10 courses. The next year wasn't so easy: with severe social and anxiety and depression, she withdrew and couldn’t leave her home for six months. But with the support of her family and caring service providers, she sought help, slowly rebuilding connections.
Loneliness
Loneliness was always a shadow in the background. Jane describes the toll that loneliness has taken on her life, and the role that mental illnesses have played in it all in seemingly pushing people away. Without friends and with only limited contact with family, the stress of navigating challenges like losing her job, partner and home was a recipe for disaster. Jane felt that she would spend her "retirement" alone, but after writing her article, she is looking to the future with a little more hope.
Depression, Loneliness and the Journey Towards Recovery
Alberto thought that being alone, separating himself from others, could help him survive depression while protecting others from those difficult feelings. Learning to let others in turned his life around. Alberto reflects on the difference between loneliness and solitude, an important tool in learning, planning deliberate actions, taking care of himself, and connecting with loved ones even when he doesn’t feel his best.
