Starting Over: Challenges of Immigration and the Power of Social Connection
Immigration and mental health
Nobody wants to be an immigrant. These profound life changes, like moving to another country, have a huge impact on people’s mental health. Usually, immigration happens not because of “good life” but because people try to find a better place to live, escaping the hard circumstances in their home country. The hardship of being an immigrant also influences our mental health. The research provided by the National Library of Medicine concludes that in some cases, adapting to life in a new country may actually lead to worse health outcomes, especially when immigrants face social or economic disadvantages. (Immigration and Mental Health, 2017)
Connections that actually help
Moving to another country, people start from the beginning: social connections, understanding the system, and finding out ways to live and earn money. It brings a lot of stress and leads to a worse outcome. Some of the immigrants are lucky to have people they know. These connections may make life easier and release some of the stress, such as having an “emergency contact”.
Social Pressure
Nonetheless, immigrating to a new country puts additional social pressure on individuals. Sometimes people are forced to stay silent and be invisible so as not have problems with the locals. Statistically, immigrants get lower-paid jobs compared to the locals (“New study: Immigrants earn 18% less and have limited access to high-paying jobs”, 2025). Meaning, they have to work more to sustain themselves. As a result, this might bring financial pressure. It is hard to imagine yourself in that kind of scenario, where we have to start all over again. And how much harder it is for people coming from their home countries, leaving all behind. Each person has a story, a background. Most of the immigration is happening because of disasters, wars, and regimes. For seeking freedom, comfort, and a better future, people choose to leave.
References
Alegría, M., Álvarez, K., & DiMarzio, K. (2017). Immigration and Mental Health. Current Epidemiology Reports, 4(2), 145–155. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40471-017-0111-2
Henriksen, L. (2025, July 17). New study: Immigrants earn 18% less and have limited access to high-paying jobs. CBS - Copenhagen Business School. https://www.cbs.dk/en/about-cbs/news-from-cbs/news/new-study-immigrants-earn-18-less-and-have-limited-access-high-paying
