Understanding Immigrant Trauma
The United States is known for being a country of immigrants. Even though political views and regulations tend to muddy the waters about immigration today, it remains a place where people can come to seek refuge, start a new life, and build the “American Dream” from the ground up.
But there’s no denying that immigrating to a new country — the U.S. or otherwise — comes with challenges. Sometimes, those challenges can be so severe that they trigger something called immigrant trauma.
We often think of trauma as some kind of big, major incident. But that isn’t always the case. It can be something that happens over time or several smaller events that negatively impact a person’s life.
With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at what immigrant trauma is and what you can do to help yourself or someone else who might be experiencing it.
What Is Immigrant Trauma?
Immigrant trauma refers to a traumatic experience or series of experiences that occur at any point throughout the immigration process. People who choose to move to another country have different reasons, but most of them are seeking a better life in one way or another.
However, trauma can happen at any stage of the process, including when an immigrant finally gets settled in. One of the biggest causes of immigration trauma is loss. Someone leaving their country is also leaving family, friends, and familiarity. They might even feel like they’re leaving an identity behind, which can create a state of grief.
Immigrant trauma can also come from financial struggles, discrimination in a new country, and legal issues. It’s not easy to move to another country legally without a lot of paperwork, time, and effort involved. If you’re struggling to find work or people are treating you as some kind of second-class citizen, it can turn the experience into a nightmare.
Acclimation can also be somewhat traumatic, especially if you don’t speak the language or aren’t used to certain customs. It’s stressful adjusting to a new culture.
What Are the Effects of Immigrant Trauma?
The trauma an immigrant experiences can have lasting effects long after they find a place of their own in a new country. They can face mental health issues, anxiety about the future, and other health conditions and might find it difficult to ask for help.
Some people who move to a new country might even face backlash from their family and heritage in their country of origin. This can lead to broken relationships, which only fuels the cycle of stress and other mental health issues.
What Can You Do?
If you’ve immigrated to this country and think you’re experiencing immigrant trauma, please know that you’re not alone. Consider doing research with the International Law Commission (ILC) to learn about your rights and how you can be supported in this country.
When it comes to your mental well-being, there are several things you can do to fight back against the effects of trauma. First, practice self-care. Do at least one thing each day that promotes your well-being and makes you feel comfortable. That might include keeping a routine you’re used to, going to a local church that practices your religion, or enjoying old hobbies.
It’s especially important to find a mental health professional to talk to if you’re experiencing any kind of trauma. Trauma or anxiety therapy can help you better understand where the trauma stems from while offering practical solutions to help you overcome it. You are not alone in this new place, and if you’re struggling, you deserve help. Feel free to contact me for more information or to set up an appointment soon.