Ulysses Syndrome, A Contemporary Evil

The Ulysses syndrome , also known as the syndrome of the emigrant , is an acute stress affects those who emigrate and go to live in a place other than his native place. It goes beyond the normal grief that affects those who leave their home and are faced with an unfamiliar environment. Symptoms and effects sometimes become very serious.

One of the difficulties that Ulysses syndrome entails is its similarity to other disorders. The diagnosis is easily confused with that of other clinical pictures. Likewise, sometimes it generates such severe manifestations that they are mistaken for psychosis, when in reality it corresponds to extreme stress.

The psychiatrist Joseba Achotegui ( University of Barcelona) defined Ulises syndrome. He has closely followed the issue of migration in Spain, one of the countries that receives the most migrants in Europe, either permanently or as passers-by. It is estimated that this problem affects at least 800,000 residents in that country.

Migration and the Ulysses syndrome

Migration is a complex phenomenon that has exceeded the resources of many states to address it. There are several types of migration and not all migrants end up suffering from Ulysses syndrome . This is greatly influenced by personal history and personality , as well as the conditions in which migration occurs and the environment in which it occurs, both the one that is maintained and the one that changes.

A first important factor is the history and personality structure of the migrant. It particularly influences the autonomy and adaptability of this. Going to another country to make a new life requires psychological strength and a great capacity for resilience. It is not easy to find a place in the new environment and, instead, this change often causes latent personality problems or disorders to manifest.

Likewise, the conditions of emigration have great influence. It is not the same who must emigrate because they are fleeing a war, than those who do so out of the desire to have a better life or see a concrete opportunity in their destination. In the same way, everything changes when a family is left behind, in contrast to those who do not.

Environment and symptoms

A decisive aspect in the Ulysses syndrome is the environment in which it is reached. This can make adaptation easier or very difficult. It could also be socioeconomically prepared to receive immigrants or not. In other words, they may or may not assimilate the immigrant; or to provide some kind of assistance, or not.

The Ulysses syndrome occurs when a person feels faced with extreme situations, which he cannot elaborate or digest. This usually happens when you realize that your immigration project is basically unfeasible. When they cannot be welcomed, or instead of improving their economic position, it worsens. This leads to progressive stress, which can eventually block the person.

The typical symptoms of Ulysses syndrome then appear . These are:

• Feeling of estrangement. You feel strange in your environment and see others as strangers. This creates fear and a deep sense of vulnerability.

• Constant sadness. There is a longing for the place of origin and a feeling of mourning that becomes constant.
• Health problems. It is very common for physical symptoms such as migraines, nausea, dizziness, respiratory problems, etc. to begin to appear.
• Stress and anxiety. It is the most visible symptom. There is a permanent sense of anguish, as if something terrible is going to happen. There are also difficulties sleeping and great insecurity in relationships with others.
• Isolation and depreciation. The person begins to isolate himself from his environment, which he perceives as threatening. This also affects their self-concept, causing their self-esteem to decrease.

Sometimes this state becomes the trigger for more serious disorders. It could also lead to addiction or involvement in illegal activities, as it is frustrating for the migrant to see his or her expectations not being met. In many cases it is a severe problem that requires the intervention of a psychologist.