Have you ever felt like you’re the only one who doesn’t have weekend plans? Or like everyone else seems to be doing just fine—while you’re quietly feeling disconnected? If so, you’re definitely not alone. In fact, loneliness is becoming such a big issue in Canada (especially here in BC) that people are calling it a loneliness epidemic.
It’s not just about being alone. It’s that deep-down feeling that you don’t really have anyone to talk to or share life with. And more and more people are feeling it—teens, older adults, busy professionals, even people who are surrounded by others every day.
So… Why Are We All Feeling This Way?
There are lots of reasons. Life’s busier and more spread out. People move cities for work or school. We rely more on texts than face-to-face chats. And after the pandemic, many of us lost the social rhythm we once had.
In BC, this can feel even stronger—especially in smaller towns where it’s harder to meet people, or in cities where it’s easy to feel invisible in a crowd.
Here’s the Good News
We don’t need a million friends to feel connected. And we don’t even need deep heart-to-hearts every day. Sometimes, small social moments can make a big difference.
5 Simple Ways to Feel More Connected
1. Say Hi More Often
Smile at your barista. Wave to your neighbour. Ask a co-worker how their day’s going. These tiny moments add up—and help us feel like part of the world again.
2. Reconnect with Someone You Know (But Not Super Well)
Maybe it’s that old classmate on Instagram or the parent you see at school pickup. You don’t have to dive into deep convos—just send a message or say hello. Acquaintances can become really meaningful connections.
3. Join Something Low-Key
You don’t have to be a social butterfly. A drop-in yoga class, art night, dog walk group, or local book club can be a great way to be around people without pressure.
4. Volunteer or Help Out
Helping others can help you feel more connected too. Whether it’s helping at a community garden or sorting donations, being useful builds relationships naturally.
5. Find “Third Places”
These are places that aren’t work or home—like your local library, coffee shop, or rec centre. Just being in a space where people are friendly and relaxed can make you feel less isolated.
One More Thing: It’s Not Just About Close Friends
Yes, we all need a few good people in our corner—but it’s okay if you’re not there yet. What helps most is having lots of little connections throughout your day. You’d be surprised how good it feels just to be noticed and to say “me too” to someone else’s story.
Final Thoughts
Loneliness can feel heavy—but the path out of it often starts with something small. A smile. A text. A five-minute chat with someone at the bus stop. If you’re feeling lonely, you’re not broken. You’re human. And there are more people out there who would love to connect than you think.
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