Moving to a new country, navigating resettlement, immigration or refugee-status processes, adapting to new cultures and languages, and managing separation from familiar supports can all be deeply stressful. At WONG & Associates we work with newcomers, refugees and immigrants who are experiencing the emotional, social and psychological consequences of migration and adaptation. Some common symptoms include:

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1. Persistent anxiety and worry about the future, settlement or immigration status

2. Feelings of isolation, loneliness or homesickness

3. Cultural identity confusion or generational/cultural conflicts within the family

4. Difficulty sleeping or recurrent nightmares related to past trauma or stress

5. Mood changes: sadness, hopelessness, diminished interest in activities

6. Hyper-vigilance, startle reactions or intrusive memories (especially if there has been trauma)

7. Somatic complaints (headaches, stomach problems) without clear medical cause

8. Difficulty concentrating, memory issues, cognitive “fog”

9. Relationship or parenting stress (especially adapting to new norms)

10. Loss of professional identity or status (for skilled immigrants) → feelings of failure or frustration