Migratory grief is the quiet sorrow many immigrants carry: missing home, being far from loved ones, losing their native language and traditions, and feeling emotionally displaced. These feelings can manifest as anxiety, exhaustion, or even symptoms resembling PTSD. Acknowledging this grief is the first step toward healing.
Author: Maisam shafiee, PhD in Clinical Psychology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran Institute of Psychiatry
What Do We Lose When We Migrate?
Home and Familiar Places: Leaving behind the streets, neighborhoods, and routines that shaped us.
Social Networks: Being away from family, friends, and support systems.
Culture and Language: Feeling lost without the traditions, language, and customs we grew up with.
Sense of Identity: Struggling with who we are in a new culture.
Familiarity and Security: Everything in the new country might feel unfamiliar or overwhelming.
How Does This Affect Us Emotionally?
Sadness and Anxiety about what has been left behind.
Ambiguous Loss — grieving something we can’t clearly name or define.
Confusion about Identity — feeling unsure of who we are now.
Mental Health Challenges such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD.
Physical Symptoms like fatigue, trouble sleeping, or chronic stress.
How Can We Cope with Migratory Grief?
Allow Yourself to Grieve: It’s okay to feel sad. It’s a normal part of the process.
Build New Relationships: Try to connect with others in your new environment.
Create a Blended Identity: You don’t have to choose between your old culture and the new one — you can embrace both.
Seek Professional Support: Therapy can help you understand your emotions and regain a sense of balance.
Why This Matters
Understanding migratory grief helps us better support ourselves and others through the challenges of immigration. If you or someone you care about is struggling emotionally after moving to a new country, psychotherapy may offer the tools and support needed to heal and grow.
You didn’t just leave a place behind — you left a part of yourself. Healing begins when you start reclaiming that part with compassion and courage