Immigration and Mental Health Challenges

15 Apr Immigration and Mental Health Challenges

“One day we moved to go far away, so far away that hurt.” Morabito (1993)

Many people migrate to other countries due to horrific, sometimes even traumatizing situations such as war, poverty, lack of natural resources and violence among many others life threatening situations.

However, the experience of immigration by itself can be traumatizing too.

A lot of people have left their children and parents behind causing them severe feelings of guilt. Some others do not have the chance to say good bye when loved ones pass away making the process of grieving very complicated. Some migrate where they can -not where they would prefer- being in conflict many times with their religion, way of life or beliefs. Some never adjust to the new environment and culture. Some never learn the language of the new country being their children the ones who represent them and carry on with their struggles.

People also look for better opportunities overseas due to the lack of resources in their countries or because they foresee catastrophic events due to corruption or governmental chaos.

Therefore, it is not the same to leave a place by choice, by desire than leaving because it is a matter of survival. When I say a matter of survival, I also imply the mental survival.

When working with immigrants, it is important to consider the personal experience of each individual. Not only the process of leaving their country and adjusting to the new one needs to be considered but also the situations lived in their countries of origin which might have been traumatizing per se in many cases or in combination with their person’s history, strengths and vulnerabilities.

There is always a price to pay for being an immigrant, some higher than others.

It is essential to discuss these experiences with a mental health professional to elaborate them and make peace with the past and be open to live the present.

If you’re experiencing mental challenges due to an immigration experience or know someone who is, I can help. Click here to learn more.

Gabriela Giuggioloni MA, LCSW-R

This may interest you: Immigration Evaluations: VAWA petitions.