When discussing immigration, it’s essential to understand that there are many reasons why people immigrate. For many Latinx immigrants, the driving force behind their decision is the search for a better life for themselves and their future families. For some, it may feel that it is their only option for survival.
A significant challenge stemming from immigration is the loss of social support and a sense of belonging. When individuals arrive in a new country, they often make choices for survival, including the decision to assimilate into the new culture or acculturate by adopting a blend of the new and old cultures while retaining some values. These decisions are often made to increase access to social support and foster a sense of belonging.
Not all Latinx immigrants have access to vecindarios or spaces where they feel that they belong. This disconnect can lead to depression symptoms such as withdrawal, isolation, sadness, hopelessness, and can also lead to anxiety symptoms such as irritability, racing thoughts, and constant worries. Additionally, mental health symptoms could present physically in the form of frequent headaches, stomachaches and/or trouble with sleep.
Trauma is often associated with the immigration journey or the circumstances that led individuals to leave their home country. Many individuals experience post-traumatic stress disorder, commonly known as PTSD. These trauma symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, hyper-vigilance, and irritability. These trauma symptoms can lead to additional distrust of systems and possible helpful resources.
Read more at HipLatina.com.
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