Olga Capriata, LCSW, a Lotus Counseling Center psychotherapist, shares her thoughts on National Hispanic Heritage Month.
"Different circumstances make people immigrate to another place. Usually it's looking for a better life, a more prosperous future because their present situation is not sustainable or simply looking for a change.
The acculturation process is a difficult one because it implies giving up everything you have known up to that moment, and to some degree losing and grieving who you are and who you represent. Some transitions or adaptations are easier than others, but in general it takes time to accommodate all your feelings and create this new life. For some people, it seems like the adaptation process takes months, and for others years.
The feeling of “not fitting in” is not uncommon when starting all over in a new place. Feeling different or feeling like you don’t fit in, can bring a person to isolate and therefore, feel alienated from others. This in turn can be manifested through some of these symptoms: depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, shame and constant self-doubt. Investing in processing such feelings can most definitely improve the quality of your life. The acculturation process can be very enriching if, we are able to integrate staying connected to our roots and also embracing the new culture."
If you, or anyone you may know, is going through a big life transition or change and is feeling any of these symptoms, contact our office to book an appointment with one of our licensed psychotherapists. We are able to give you the right tools and coping mechanisms to adapt to any change. We are in the office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM and you can reach us by calling 305-915-5748.