Mental Health Week focuses on loneliness as millions of Canadians grapple with isolation

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Loneliness is the focus of this year’s Mental Health week as new data from the Canadian Mental Health Association shows millions of Canadians are struggling with it.

“Loneliness is more than a feeling. We know that it is a mental health and public health issue,” says Christa Baldwin, CEO of the Canadian Mental Health Association of New Brunswick. “When we look at statistics across Canada, 13 per cent of people say they feel lonely always or often. That’s a staggering number. When we look at New Brunswick and Atlantic Canada, that increases to 14 per cent.”

Youth are the loneliest of all age groups, with almost one in five aged 16 to 24 reporting feeling lonely often or always, according to the association.

The data also shows one in four people who connect online are frequently lonely.

“The pandemic really adjusted the way that we show up in-person in our communities. And that’s especially impactful when we look at loneliness and social isolation and knowing that they’re linked to things like anxiety, depression, substance use and different health challenges as well, like heart disease,” says Baldwin.

“Technology can help us stay in touch, but it cannot replace the value of human presence and when people feel connected, they’re more likely to feel supported and resilient and hopeful. and that’s what we want for people.”

The theme of this year’s mental health week is Come Together, Canada.

The campaign hopes to encourage people to step outside of their shells and build connections.

“The invitation is to people and families, workplaces, schools, community, wherever we find people to create meaningful moments of connection,” says Baldwin.

While she says there’s no one fix for loneliness, she suggests people start with big or small steps.

“It can be a conversation, a face-to-face conversation with eye contact with people. It can be a check in, maybe even a shared meal, or joining a group, reaching out for support, or helping someone feel less alone,” she says.

Halifax resident Suzanne James says she’s battled with loneliness at various times in her life.

“I remember being quite lonely when I first had a baby. I was home alone with the baby and people leave you alone to sort of settle in with your new baby, but it’s kind of a lonely experience.”

The Halifax Story Slam uses storytelling to reach those struggling with mental health.

“What we have is six storytellers that are going to tell their lives, true stories…there are no notes or scripts or prompts,” says founder Craig Moore.

“It’s just real people telling real stories. And that is the best way to connect with each other.”

The free event will take place at the Halifax Central Library from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday.