The hidden psychological stages every migrant silently endures abroad

Moving to a new country brings far more than just practical challenges. Anna, a psychologist from Moscow, now living in Madeira, Portugal, has studied the hidden struggles migrants face. According to her, deep-seated psychological attitudes often determine whether someone adjusts successfully or struggles for years. The adaptation process typically spans five to ten years. It unfolds in clear stages: first comes idealisation, where everything seems exciting and full of promise. Then disillusionment sets in as daily difficulties become apparent. For many, this leads to a period of depression, where motivation drops and progress stalls.

During this time, migrants frequently compare their new lives to what they left behind. They search for familiar comforts—jobs, friendships, or routines—that no longer exist in the same way. Some react by withdrawing. They stop practising the local language, avoid forming new relationships, and lose interest in integrating further.

Anna highlights three key factors for a smoother transition: learning the language well, finding meaningful work, and staying socially active. Without these, even small daily tasks can feel overwhelming. A deficiency in any area often leads to long-term isolation or frustration. Adaptation is not just about paperwork or housing—it's a slow, psychological journey. Those who build language skills, secure fulfilling work, and engage with their new community tend to stabilise faster. Without them, the risk of prolonged struggle remains high, no matter how promising the move first seemed.