Unpacking the Psychological Baggage of Migration: Identity, Loss, and the Journey to Healing

Abstract

Migration is often viewed through political or economic lenses, yet its psychological dimensions remain underexplored. This editorial delves into the inner world of migrants, especially those from Iran who have recently resettled in Canada, revealing the emotional toll of leaving behind not only places but also parts of the self. Drawing from clinical experiences with immigrant clients, the article highlights key themes such as identity fragmentation, grief, cultural dissonance, and the hidden forms of psychological distress, including addiction and intergenerational tension. It argues for a redefinition of migration as an existential passage rather than a mere geographic transition. Emphasizing the need for culturally responsive therapeutic frameworks, the piece calls for greater societal and institutional support to help migrants unpack their emotional burdens, reclaim meaning, and build new narratives of belonging. © 2025 the authors.