Dealing with Loneliness

If Canada isn’t your native country, it can be difficult building your career as a personal support worker or caregiver and having a balanced and fulfilling personal life. In many instances family and friends are a country way and that can leave you feeling lonely when not at work.

Don’t ignore your feelings of loneliness. In order to reach out and improve your social and personal life you have to first acknowledge what it is you’re missing. If you are missing friends and family then perhaps you need to do some outreach in the community to find interests and meet others who may share those same interests.

First of all, find out if there is an association or club in your community for people from your country of origin. Many of Canada’s major cities have thriving cultural communities representing many of the world’s nations. In these metropolitan centres there are often many organizations providing social, legal and immigration services and consultation.

Depending on the city and available resources you may even find assistance in your home language. If you’re not sure where to start looking, click on the government link below to view a list resources by province:

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/publications/welcome/wel-20e.asp

Another resource for information is your local library. In most cities, and especially Canada’s larger multicultural cities like Toronto, Hamilton, Halifax, Montreal, Vancouver, Winnipeg or Edmonton, you may find assistance in your own language at your local library. More importantly, if English is not your first language and you want to improve your communication skills in Canada, you can find out about English as a Second Language courses at your local library as well.

Taking a class is a great way to make new friends and fill your non-working hours with productive and fulfilling activities. Look at your community’s “Parks and Recreation” guide to see the choices of affordable or subsidized courses offered. Depending on where you live you may find everything from badminton classes to knitting courses. These guides are often found in community centers and the local library.

In addition to courses, many communities offer wonderful exercise/physical activities for very little cost (and sometimes they are free). Most offer swimming and skating, and others offer a great deal more including bowling and rock climbing! Again, check in at your local community centre for information then get involved!

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