Feeling lonely can be really tough, especially if you come from a conflict region like Ethiopia or Eritrea. When you leave your country, you’re often stuck between hope and uncertainty. When you arrive in the UK, everything feels different from home, and it can be hard to adjust. Missing familiar faces and places makes it even tougher.

But don’t worry, you can adapt to your new home in the UK. It’s possible if you’re open to finding peace and making connections. In this article, we’ll look at ways to help you cope with loneliness.

Understanding Loneliness When You Move

Wars and conflicts leave a deep impact on people. In the Horn of Africa, including Eritrea and Ethiopia, there hasn’t been peace for a long time. Civil wars, famine, and genocide have troubled the area since the late 1970s. This is why many people leave, looking for a stable and peaceful life.

Leaving home means losing the comfort of familiar surroundings. For Eritrean and Ethiopian migrants, fleeing conflict areas makes feelings of uncertainty and loss even stronger. Recognizing and understanding these feelings is the first step to coping and healing.

Finding a Support Network

One good thing about being an asylum seeker in the UK is that you are not alone. Many people have gone through or are going through the same challenges. Connecting with fellow migrants from Ethiopia and Eritrea can give you relief and guidance in dealing with homesickness and stress.

Support networks can include cultural centers, religious groups, or local communities. By connecting with these groups, you can learn from others’ experiences and adjust better to your new environment. In the UK, there are many organizations and groups to help you find your way. This is exactly why myeritrea.co exists – to provide a supportive network for Eritrean migrants.

Using Online Communities

In today’s digital world, technology helps connect different parts of the world. Online communities offer more connections than local ones. Platforms like Facebook, Telegram, and WhatsApp are great for making these connections.

These online communities can help you connect with other Ethiopian and Eritrean migrants. You can also keep in touch with family and friends, bridging the gap between your old and new lives.

Staying Active and Finding Hobbies

Your physical and mental health are linked. Doing physical activities can improve both. Activities like yoga, running, and gym workouts can boost your mood and energy levels. Hobbies like reading can take your mind off loneliness, and you might meet new people who can help you navigate your new environment.

Getting Professional Help

Seeking professional help might not be common in your culture, but it’s very important for managing mental health and well-being. When feelings of isolation and loneliness become too much, think about counseling and therapy services. These services can give you the support you need. Some support groups specifically help Ethiopian, Eritrean, or East African migrants.

For more support and resources, you can visit ERICOM UK.

Conclusion

Living in the UK away from home can be tough, especially for migrants from conflict regions like Eritrea and Ethiopia. While feelings of isolation are challenging, they can be managed. Start by recognizing and acknowledging these feelings. There are many ways to cope, and what works for others might not work for you. But with time, effort, resilience, and adaptability, you will gradually connect with your new environment.