- Zen Life with Amari
Moving to a new setting is met with new and different experiences alongside its challenges. These challenges will be harder for migrants who have come from conflict regions such as Ethiopia and Eritrea. The transition can be overwhelming, with new cultural norms, social structures, and lifestyles to navigate. Through these changes, your mental well-being is crucial. In this article, we will see how you can maintain your mental well-being as an Ethiopian and Eritrean migrant living in the UK.
Impact of Migrating From Conflict Region On Mental Well-Being
Conflict regions such as Ethiopia and Eritrea often account for migrants in the UK. Many leave their home for a better future and life. Once they reach the UK, they will experience new changes that they must adapt to. These changes will add a new layer of stress and trauma on top of leaving the conflict region.
Neglecting your mental well-being in these scenarios will impact your health and life. To achieve the better lifestyle you envisioned, take heed of your mental well-being. The first step in doing so is recognizing the challenging factors. Some of the common challenges include:
Culture shock
Homesickness
Social isolation
Language barriers
Stress and anxiety
How to Maintain Mental Well-being in a New Environment?
Understanding the need for mental well-being isn’t the same as knowing how to maintain it. There are proven ways in which you as a Habesha migrant residing in the UK can maintain and better your mental well-being in a new environment. A few of these methods are:
Building a Support Network
Connecting with other Habesha expats or local communities can significantly improve your mental well-being. Having a support network of similar backgrounds will reduce the feeling of loneliness and isolation. You will get social support and learn from their experience. You will have a sense of belongingness in these social networks.
Stay Connected to Home
The driving factor to all the mental well-being challenges is the feeling of loneliness. For Ethiopians and Eritreans who’ve fled due to conflicts, it’s only natural to miss their home. To not give in to the stress of homesickness, it is advisable to stay connected to your home. Reach out to loved ones over the phone or social media to fill that void. Sharing your experiences and hearing familiar voices can provide comfort and reduce feelings of loneliness.
Embrace Routine and Stability
Creating a daily routine can provide a sense of normalcy and control. You don’t have to start with a big and bulky routine. Small and manageable tasks should be your starters. You should try one thing at a time and make an easy-to-follow plan. The goal of the routine is to develop a healthy habit and not a quick fix. An effective routine can help reduce stress, which can lead to better mental health, more time to relax, and less anxiety.
Engage in Physical Activity
Physical activity has a proven record of positively affecting mental well-being. It will relieve stress and improve mood. Endorphins are natural mood lifters and physical exercises are guaranteed to improve them. Running, cycling, and playing football are common physical exercises in the habesha community. Physical activity also provides an opportunity to explore your new surroundings and meet new people.
Practice Mindfulness and Meditation
Aside from physical activities, mindfulness and meditation have been a powerful arsenal for improving and maintaining mental well-being. Simple techniques such as deep breathing, guided meditation apps, or mindful walking can help calm your mind and improve emotional resilience.
Getting Professional Help
When you feel stressed or depressed and the above-recommended methods aren’t working for you, you should seek professional help. Many organizations and charities in the UK offer mental health support, including counseling services specifically for migrants and refugees. Although chances are they might recommend one of the methods listed above, it doesn’t hurt to get professional advice on the matter at hand.
Conclusion
Adapting to the new change of being in a new environment as a migrant fleeing a conflict region will be challenging. These challenges will have a toll on your mental well-being. To maintain mental well-being in a new environment, you should be open to taking the necessary steps.
Embrace routine, stay connected with loved ones, build a support network, engage in physical activity, practice mindfulness, and seek professional help when needed. By taking these steps, you can navigate the complexities of your new life in the UK with resilience and strength, paving the way for a fulfilling and balanced life.
We all face mental and emotional challenges at some point in our lives, and it’s essential to acknowledge that we are not alone in these experiences. Fortunately, there are numerous mental health resources available specifically for the Ethiopian community in the UK, designed to provide support and guidance during tough times.
Whether you’re seeking counseling, community support, or simply a listening ear, the MyEthiopia community has access to various groups and resources tailored to meet our unique cultural needs.
Our wellness expert, Amari, offers advice for a more fulfilling life
