Emotional support for immigrants facing migratory grief
I am an immigrant, I have lived in different countries throughout my life. I understand the stress that many of us experience when leaving our country, as well as the implications this situation has at a psychological, emotional, physical and also professional level. That is why I am ready to offer emotional support to immigrants, given the consequences that culture shock can have
Leaving our country: a difficult decision
In fact, there are many circumstances that lead us to leave our country.
Some leave voluntarily, others are forced to do so because of threats or political reasons.
Others leave in search of better job, financial or study opportunities.
Or as I heard someone say: “We’re going to escape to Spain for a while to see if the situation improves and we can go back to our country”.
Initially, this move can be exciting and start out as an adventure, meeting new people, new places, a different culture, language and social environment. But after a while the excitement of the new wears off and we begin to go through migratory grief.
Some people may experience psychological problems: depressive symptoms, anxiety, physical and psychosomatic problems.
Extract from “The immigrant’s culture shock”
The consequences of immigration can be profoundly painful and confusing, for the reasons mentioned above, but if, in addition to this, the person has had a physical or emotional separation from their mother, at birth or at an early age, the person may carry inside a sense of emptiness, alienation, isolation, insecurity, and being in a foreign land, these feelings will increase and the person may feel more disoriented, isolated and traumatised.
Sometimes, when these people find someone with whom they feel safe and connected, it might be a friend or a partner, they feel complete. If the relationship ends, they can feel desperate emotionally and their body can go into a state of shock, because this relationship represented for them the connection to their roots, their security. When it ends they feel again the abandonment they once experienced, they feel as though they are losing the connection to their roots.
Below you will find a story from a patient who wanted to share her experience
Read the full article in Revista Semana