Here we briefly present the common stages that many people go through:

1. Denial: At first, we may deny the reality of our departure, clinging to familiarity and refusing to accept the change.
2. Anger: We feel deep frustration and anger about having to leave behind what we know and love, and for the challenges we face in the new country.
3. Bargaining: We try to make deals with ourselves or the situation, looking for ways to ease the pain and uncertainty we face.
4. Depression: We experience sadness, loneliness, and hopelessness due to the loss of our previous life and the difficulty of adapting to a new reality.
5. Acceptance: Eventually, we come to accept our situation and begin to find a way to reconcile with the change and adapt.

What is migratory grief? Migratory grief is grief for many things. It is a multiple grief. Everything around the person changes — especially when the move spans vast cultural and geographical distances.

This grief stems from the multiple and massive loss of bonds — with the physical, social, and cultural environment — and the pain and frustration caused by moving from a place full of emotional connections to an unfamiliar environment where new bonds must be created.

Migration is a complex process that involves leaving behind a way of life and identity to adopt a new one. Psychologically, it implies a vital and stressful life event that profoundly affects the individual, those around them, and the broader environment in a mutually influential way. In other words, it involves immigrants, their families, and the receiving society.

That is why we say that migratory grief is a psychological and emotional process experienced by those who emigrate as they adapt to a new environment while facing the loss of their place of origin. This grief is not about the loss of a person but the loss of meaningful aspects of their previous life, like family, friends, culture, and familiar surroundings.

The decision to migrate is a process in which a person chooses (or is forced) to leave their home in search of better living conditions. This brings many changes—economic, social, and personal. Migrating involves different factors that influence adaptation and migratory grief.

There is no linear path through these stages, and it is possible to experience setbacks or advances at any point. Most often, the stages overlap and interweave, with their sequence marked by setbacks, leaps, and repetitions that depend on numerous other factors.

Not all migrants experience grief in the same way. Every grief is unique. That’s why we prefer to speak of “migrations” instead of “migration,” recognizing that each person is different, and so are the circumstances — economic, political, work-related, or otherwise — surrounding their decision to leave. Migration, whether forced or voluntary, is always difficult because it involves uprooting, leaving behind family and friends, and breaking with one’s own customs and social values.

In migration, many things change: the language, experiences, work, neighbors, family, customs, celebrations, food. Amid all these changes, the migrant gradually adapts to the new situation, finding their footing, and begins to view things differently, developing new priorities and needs.

This process comes with emotional challenges that can feel overwhelming. It is important to recognize that these feelings are normal and part of migratory grief. However, we must be alert if sadness, anger, anxiety, or hopelessness persist in daily life, making it difficult to thrive in our new reality.

By recognizing and understanding these stages, we can navigate migratory grief with greater compassion and self-care. Remember, you are not alone on this journey. Together, we can find comfort and strength. No matter where you are in this process, it’s always a good idea to start therapy, where you can give space to your emotions and better understand what you are experiencing—facing challenges with support and new tools.

Ayudate is here to support you through this process. Contact us: www.ayudate.net.