The Diasporic Disconnect Amidst Urban Setting in Students

 The Diasporic Disconnect Amidst Urban Setting in Students 

- By Drishti Haldia (MSc. Applied Psychology, Sem II)

Automat by Edward Hopper (1927): The painting depicts isolation and urban loneliness.

 “Imagine standing by a window at night, on the sixth or seventeenth or forty-third floor of a building. The city reveals itself as a set of cells, a hundred thousand windows, some darkened and some flooded with green or white or golden light. Inside, strangers swim to and fro, attending to the business of their private hours. You can see them, but you can‘t reach them, and so this commonplace urban phenomenon, available in any city of the world on any night, conveys to even the most social a tremor of loneliness, its uneasy combination of separation and exposure.” -Olivia Lang

What is Diaspora? 

Diaspora refers to a population or group of people who originated from a specific geographic location but currently reside in different regions or countries. It is very relevant to the students, who have transitioned from culturally diverse and different environments to a fast-paced metropolitan city. These individuals often face challenges adapting to a new cultural setting, being uprooted from their familiar and comforting surroundings and having to adapt to a new environment can create a sense of disconnect often felt through the feelings of isolation and identity crisis. Moreover, a loss of familiar support systems and social network can further intensify their disconnect.

There are various challenges faced by these diasporic youth and can manifest in various ways, such as difficulties in forming new friendships and navigating unfamiliar social norms. Furthermore, constant exposure to diverse cultures can create a sense of confusion and uncertainty about one's own identity, leading to a search for belonging and a struggle to reconcile different aspects of their cultural background. Understanding and addressing these complex psychological challenges is crucial to fostering a sense of belonging and well-being for students transitioning to a bustling metropolitan city.

Personally, having shifted cities to achieve my goal of completing my studies, I find myself in a new, unfamiliar ground, a mere individual amongst the masses, the feeling of diasporic loneliness ever-present, not deliberate but more due to the foreignness of the city. Upon perusing through the internet, I have come to the realization that I am not alone in this feeling of diasporic disconnect of isolation. Numerous artists, writers, poets, filmmakers, and songwriters have all tackled the topic of loneliness in one way or another, all seeking to make a connection with it and address the problems it raises.

The challenges of this diasporic disconnect include feelings of alienation, loss, and longing for a sense of belonging or cultural identity. Identity fragmentation is an experience also felt where, the individuals may grapple with questions of who they are, where they belong, and how to reconcile their heritage with their current environment. The effects vary from individual to individual but often include a struggle to maintain cultural identity, difficulty in forming meaningful connections with others, and there is a constant search for identity and belonging in both the new place and the original place they come from. These effects can impact individuals' mental well-being, self-esteem, and overall sense of identity.

Individuals experiencing this diaspora disconnect can employ various psychological strategies to cope, such as seeking support from fellow diaspora members, engaging in cultural preservation activities, participating in community events, and maintaining connections with their homes through technology and social media.

Some coping techniques help with this isolation and cultural identity, especially for students:-

1. Meet new people: There are plenty of opportunities to meet new people. Joining a club can enable you to meet new people, and will also encourage you to partake in activities that you enjoy. It is a great way to meet like-minded people and help you become part of a wider community.

2. Volunteering: Helping a local charity or community group is a great way to combat loneliness. In a recent study, involving 10,000 volunteers, 68% of participants agreed that volunteering helped them feel less isolated (this was highest in 18-24 year old individuals). The same study found that 77% of participants agreed that volunteering had improved their mental health and wellbeing. As a result, volunteering can help reduce the feelings associated with loneliness and give you a sense of purpose as you help those in need.

3. Keep in touch: Building new relationships is crucial, but not neglecting old ones is equally important. Friends and family are vital for mental health, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose. Always call up friends or message family when needed.

4. Collaborative workshops and seminars: Often, institutions have seminars and interactive sessions where diasporic individuals can learn practical skills and strategies to navigate the challenges of transitioning to metropolitan cities. These workshops can cover topics such as cultural adjustment, building social connections, and managing mental health in a new environment. Additionally, there are professionals to provide guidance and resources for further support.

5. Schedule: Creating an organized schedule can also be quite helpful in assisting students in adapting to their new surroundings. Students can develop a sense of stability and purpose by creating a routine that includes time for both social and academic activities.

6. Exploring cultural roots: Adopting one's cultural heritage and customs can also be an effective approach to overcoming diasporic loneliness. Participating in cultural events, establishing connections with individuals from similar origins, and celebrating traditions may promote a feeling of belonging and attachment to one's heritage, eventually reducing feelings of isolation.

7. Talking therapy: Counselling can help explore one's identity, values, and health, helping to understand the cause of loneliness and provide coping skills to encourage socialization. It requires trust and courage and should be approached with courage.

Therefore, effective coping strategies for individuals in this situation include seeking support from cultural community organizations, engaging in therapy or counseling, and actively participating in activities that promote self-reflection and self-care. Additionally, creating spaces for dialogue and understanding within educational institutions also plays a crucial role in supporting students' well-being and sense of belonging. Remember, we are not alone in this new city, fostering connections with each other is important and communication is key.

References:

https://skindeepmag.com/articles/on-loneliness-and-finding-ourselves-in-each-other-with-fatimah-asghar

https://freshoutlookfoundation.org/loneliness-a-students-experience-abroad/

https://www.healthassured.org/blog/dealing-with-loneliness-as-a-student/

Book: The Lonely City Adventures in the art of being Alone by Olivia Lang