Artikkel: Migratory Grief Unmasked: The Hidden Challenges of Migration
Migratory Grief Unmasked: The Hidden Challenges of Migration
People born in corrupt countries that deny them fulfilling lives often seek better opportunities elsewhere. Many are driven by the desire to provide their families with improved prospects and ensure a brighter future for their children. For many, this is a key driver in the decision to migrate. Some people embark on this journey in search of self-discovery and seeking answers about their place in the world. Sometimes these challenges are unfamiliar and even more daunting than the adversities we faced in previous lives.
Regardless of our diverse background, many of us long for stability, security and a place where we can thrive and live in harmony with others. Despite the strenuous paths we've traveled to overcome our struggles, when we finally succeed, new and tougher barriers loom ahead. These barriers may be novel and intimidating, exceeding the obstacles we once knew. Pursuing a stable life usually requires us to abandon what we know; our domicile, mother tongue, and loved ones may become distant memories. It takes great courage to embark on a journey towards a fresh start. The path is filled with countless uncertainties and obstacles that require adaptability, resilience, and the tenacity to maneuver through unmapped terrain.
Because of this, I have a strong drive to find answers to my grief and feelings of guilt. These emotions seemed to come from an unknown place inside of me. Over the years, I have carefully watched how other immigrants deal with similar experiences, and I have noticed that many of us seem to lack a full understanding of what is happening to us. It’s as if we all suffer from an unknown disease. Some people are willing to talk openly about their problems, while others just put them aside and get on with their lives.
There are days when I dare not complain because I made a conscious decision to migrate, and after years of trying, I actually have a better life. However, there was a part of me that didn't want to let go of these feelings and craved answers. I realized that even if I avoided them, they wouldn't go away. They were persistent, demanding my attention and urging me to confront them. It became increasingly clear that I needed to face these unknown feelings and seek understanding and resolution. I tried searching online to gain understanding, but was unsuccessful as the results only showed depression and extreme anxiety, which was completely inconsistent with what I was going through - not just depression and anxiety. It should have a name, I thought.
I decided to seek therapy because I thought it was an invaluable resource in my search for answers and healing. When I contacted my therapist, he was quick to spot the underlying problem. He recognized that I was struggling with a phenomenon known as immigrant grief or migratory grief. His expertise and understanding allow him to see the unique emotions and challenges that accompany the immigrant experience.
The term “migratory grief" was found to convey a sense of affirmation and relief. It gave me a framework to understand and make sense of my complex emotions. This means that I am not alone in my experiences, and that there is an accepted psychological concept that helps me navigate them. With the guidance of my therapist, I began to explore the complexities of immigrant grief. He helped me decipher the different layers, understand how they affect my well-being, and showed strategies for how to deal with different manifestations. Throughout my healing journey, I have taken comfort in knowing that I have the tools and support available to help me process and heal the challenges that immigration presents.
This type of grief encompasses the complex emotional landscape that immigrants experience. It has many layers, from physical separation due to geographic distance to loss of familiar surroundings and support networks.
Immigrants often feel that they do not belong or have a solid sense of place. In addition to the challenges of adapting to a new culture and coping with homesickness or language barriers, immigrants and refugees often suffer a range of material and non-material losses that have a major impact on their well-being and relationships.
Migratory grief is a framework for understanding and expressing these deep emotions. It acknowledges the unique losses that individuals experience during migration and the impact on their mental and emotional states. By recognizing and addressing migratory grief, it is possible to provide support and interventions to help immigrants cope with these complex experiences.
During my therapy sessions, my therapist would often challenge me with thought-provoking questions designed to explore the depths of my experience. One question that particularly touched me was when he asked me to imagine myself standing at the airport on the day of departure, preparing to fly to the country where I would eventually immigrate. At that moment he asked me if I really wanted to leave my country. Without hesitation, my answer was a resounding "no."
This question made me realize that my decision to leave home was not motivated by any personal desire or ambition. Rather, it is rooted in my family's collective well-being and a desire for a better life for all of us. I realized that my decision to embark on this journey was driven by a strong sense of responsibility and a belief that immigration would provide my loved ones with opportunities not readily available in our home country. While it is true that my decision was based on altruistic intentions, it also revealed the complexity of my migration experience. Realizing that I left behind a place of cherished memories, cultural roots, and a sense of belonging stirred conflicting emotions within me. I struggled with a sense of loss, wondering if I had made the right decision and if I could fully reconcile the longing for what I left behind.
Recognizing these emotions and exploring the nuances of motivation for therapy has given me greater insight into my own journey. It was clear that my immigrant experience involved both sacrifice and opportunity, and that my grief and feelings of guilt were valid responses to the complexities of my decision. Accepting my truth helped me understand the conflicting feelings I was going through. While I had good intentions and a desire to help my loved ones live better lives, it didn't take away the sense of loss and challenges I faced in the process. This realization allowed me to navigate the nuances of mighratory grief, including the interplay between hope and longing, sacrifice and the desire to belong.
My therapist's probing questions helped me face these conflicting feelings and make peace with the choices I made. They taught me that it's okay to be grateful for the opportunities gained and to grieve the losses. Through this exploration, I began to embrace my complex feelings and find a path of acceptance and healing.
Can you imagine yourself in a similar situation, or perhaps you know someone who might be going through something similar? I would love to hear your stories
Warm regards,
♡ Marianne