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Migration and displacement can be traumatic not only because of what prompted the move, but because the nervous system loses multiple safety cues at once—home, language, social rules, community, and familiar identity. In this episode, we explore migration and displacement trauma as both a trauma pathway (chronic stress, uncertainty, vigilance) and a grief pathway (loss of belonging, status, and “nervous system home base”). Using simple polyvagal-informed language, we look at why safety cues disappear, how identity disruption adds a second layer, and what helps in realistic, culturally respectful ways. We close with a grounding practice designed to support “two homes”: honouring roots while allowing slow settling.

In this episode, you’ll learn

• A clear definition of migration and displacement trauma (loss + uncertainty + low control + low support)
• Why migration involves grief as well as nervous-system adaptation
• Polyvagal-informed patterns: hypervigilance, social anxiety, shutdown, and “in-between” functioning
• The identity layer: language, status loss, and feeling “not from there / not from here”
• Common signs (non-diagnostic): isolation, overworking, paperwork, hypervigilance, shame, waves of grief
• What helps: rebuilding safety cues, language compassion, low-demand belonging, naming grief, informed support
• A grounding practice for bridging roots and the present ground

Grounding practice (2–3 minutes): “Two Homes”

• One hand on chest (roots), one hand on belly/thigh (present ground)
• 4 breaths as a “bridge” between hands
• Phrases: “I carry my roots” + “I am here/allowed to settle, one step at a time”
• Orient to one neutral/pleasant object

Check the website for the free resources offered for both those affected by trauma and those supporting them.

What’s next: Community Shock: Disasters & Public Events (No War Content)

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