The journey of immigration is often romanticized as a quest for a better life. Yet behind the promise of opportunity lies a hidden psychological burden that many migrants carry for years, even decades. Known as the "Odysseus Syndrome" or "Ulysses Syndrome," this condition describes the chronic stress, grief, and anxiety that immigrants experience when they are forced to rebuild their lives in a new country, often leaving behind everything they have known.

Named after Homer's legendary hero Odysseus, who spent ten years wandering the Mediterranean before returning home, the syndrome encapsulates the sense of being stuck between worlds—unable to fully return to the homeland and not yet integrated into the new one. A recent episode of the radio program "COSMO sta Ellinika" hosted a compelling discussion with psychologist, psychotherapist, and family counselor Eleni Bousvarou, who delved into the psychological challenges faced by immigrants.

What Is the Odysseus Syndrome?

The term was first coined by Spanish psychiatrist Dr. Joseba Achotegui in the early 2000s to describe a specific form of chronic stress disorder affecting immigrants. Unlike post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which typically follows a single traumatic event, the Odysseus Syndrome is a cumulative stress reaction resulting from the prolonged and multifaceted losses inherent in migration. These losses include:

• Loss of homeland – the physical and emotional connection to one's country, its landscapes, smells, and sounds.
• Loss of language – the inability to communicate fluently in the new environment, leading to frustration and isolation.
• Loss of social network – separation from family, friends, and community support systems.
• Loss of social status – many immigrants face downward mobility, taking jobs below their qualifications.
• Loss of cultural identity – the struggle to maintain one's traditions while adapting to new customs.
• Loss of security – legal uncertainties, fear of deportation, and discrimination create constant anxiety.

According to Dr. Achotegui, the syndrome consists of multiple overlapping stressors that exceed the individual's coping capacity. Symptoms can include sadness, irritability, insomnia, headaches, ideational loss (difficulty concentrating), and somatic complaints. In severe cases, it may lead to depression or anxiety disorders.

Eleni Bousvarou on the Psychology of Migration

In the interview, Eleni Bousvarou—a Greek psychologist based in Germany—sheds light on how these symptoms manifest in daily life. She explains that migrants often experience a "dual grief": they mourn the life they left behind while simultaneously struggling with the pressures of building a new existence. "Immigrants are not just moving houses; they are moving entire identities," Bousvarou notes. "Every interaction—whether at work, school, or a government office—can become a reminder of what was lost, triggering waves of sadness or frustration."

Bousvarou emphasizes that the cultural stigma around mental health often prevents immigrants from seeking help. In many communities, psychological problems are seen as a sign of weakness or even as a luxury that people who are "lucky enough to have a better life" should not complain about. This internalized pressure can delay treatment, exacerbating the symptoms.

The Role of Identity and Belonging

One of the core aspects of the Odysseus Syndrome is the crisis of identity. Migrants often feel they no longer fully belong to their country of origin, yet they have not been fully accepted into the host society. This sense of being "in-between" can lead to a condition known as "liminality"—a state of psychological suspension. Over time, the constant need to alternate between two cultural codes drains mental energy.

Children of immigrants, the so-called second generation, often experience this syndrome differently. They may face pressures to integrate at school while witnessing their parents' struggles with language and bureaucracy. This can create a sense of guilt or a premature burden of responsibility. Bousvarou highlights that intergenerational conversations about these feelings are crucial but often avoided due to fear of causing pain.

Historical and Global Context

The Odysseus Syndrome is not new, but its recognition has grown alongside global migration waves. Since 2015, Europe has seen an influx of refugees from war-torn regions like Syria, Afghanistan, and Ukraine. Economic migrants from Africa, Asia, and Latin America also face similar stressors. In Germany, where the podcast originates, immigrants from Turkey, Greece, Italy, and other countries have built large communities—yet many still report feelings of homesickness and alienation decades after arrival.

Research indicates that the syndrome is more likely to emerge when the migration is forced—due to war, persecution, or economic collapse—rather than voluntary. However, even those who migrate by choice (e.g., for work or study) can develop symptoms, especially if they lack a supportive social network or face racism and discrimination.

Coping Strategies and Resilience

Bousvarou suggests several strategies for managing the Odysseus Syndrome. First, she advises acknowledging the grief as valid. "You do not have to be grateful every minute," she says. "It is okay to feel angry, sad, or frustrated about your situation." Second, maintaining ties to one's heritage—through food, music, language, or festivals—can provide a sense of continuity. Third, building new connections in the host country is essential. Finding peer groups or support organizations that understand the migrant experience can reduce isolation.

On a structural level, Bousvarou calls for better mental health services specifically tailored to immigrant populations. This includes multilingual therapists, cultural sensitivity training for healthcare providers, and community outreach programs that destigmatize therapy. "The system often fails immigrants because it treats their distress as an individual problem rather than a social one," she warns.

Beyond the Individual: A Collective Challenge

The Odysseus Syndrome has broader implications for society. When immigrants are struggling psychologically, they are less able to contribute to their communities, workplaces, and families. This can lead to a cycle of poverty, social exclusion, and even radicalization. Conversely, when mental health support is available, integration can become smoother, benefiting both the immigrants and the host society.

In the interview, Bousvarou also touches on the role of media and public discourse. She argues that the dominant narrative of immigrants solely as "victims" or "heroes" ignores the nuanced reality of their emotional lives. "Neither portrayal is helpful," she says. "We need to see immigrants as whole human beings who are navigating one of the most difficult transitions a person can face."

The podcast episode concludes with practical advice for friends and family members of immigrants: listen without judgment, offer practical help, and encourage professional support when needed. As Bousvarou emphasizes, "Healing does not mean forgetting the past. It means learning to carry it in a way that allows you to move forward."

Source: Mediathek News