Many countries in the world have welcome immigration, skilled or unskilled to boost their economy. They welcome expats as refugees of war or natural disasters. People can move around easily with all forms of transport and communication opening the doors to opportunities.
For example Canada, The United States of America, and Australia, are relatively new countries in the English speaking world, that grew and prospered from various waves of immigrants from different countries. People have always been on the move from their country of origin, to ancient established countries in Europe, Middle and Far East, Asia, and South America. They move individually, or as whole families. The reason for the global movement of people is as varied as the people who move. It can be for financial gain, fleeing political or religious persecution, loss as a result of disasters, war and famine, to connect with other family members, or just for fun!
Change is a normal process of growing up, growing older, raising a family working in the world. Change can bring stress which can be 'good stress' that energizes, inspires, excites and stimulates creativity. Change can also be acutely stressful in a negative way, causing anxiety, depression and other emotions and destructive behaviors such and aggression or substance use, that impact the body and mind and others around.
Immigration to a new country for an individual or a family can bring many problems of adjustment and the negative effects of change. If the expats speak the same language as the majority, then it is somewhat easier. If a new language has to be learned there is added pressure. People often leave some family or friends behind so there may be a sense of rootlessness, and loss of human connection and support, so essential for happiness. Depression, anxiety and anger and grief are common emotions as a result of loss that many expat immigrants may feel. If fleeing as result of war other can be post traumatic stress issues to deal with. This can impact the person's adjustment to a new life and put stress on the family. Professional help is often needed.
Many immigrants may hold tightly to customs they hold dear that bring comfort and reminders of their past life, finding it hard to adjust to the new culture. Some family members may never learn the new language. This may cause isolation and unhappiness. This could be common for the first generation of immigrants. The second generation if immigrants, their children, often will be very well assimilated into the local culture and community. This can bring tension within a family as the new customs want to be adopted by teenagers. Recently the news has been filled with parents taking the laws of their own culture into their own hands, such as punishing girls wanting freedom to dress and date outside their cultural traditions. This can be a life or death issue. The strain in a family can be immense. The availability of confidential private online counseling could prevent tragedy.
I have experienced my own issues of being an expat and transiting to a new country. My language expression is somewhat different from that spoken locally and I still was perceived as different and not quite belonging for many years. Miscommunication can be difficult or humorous! It takes time to adjust.
As people now become more comfortable with the electronic form of communication, via computer, internet, Facebook and phone, communication with one's far flung family can become easier. However the immediate needs for local community, comfort and support may not be available. Expat Counseling and Online Counseling is a way for people to privately talk about their problems in their own language and find relief from the stress of the immigrant, expat experience.
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