Ramadan Without Family: A Guide for the Expat Man to Create His Psychological Safety
The article examines the emotional struggle faced by Arab expats during Ramadan when separated from their families, emphasizing the mental health implications of solitude in a traditionally communal month.
As Ramadan begins, the article depicts the loneliness of an Arab young man spending the holy month away from his family. He enjoys a solitary meal prepared from ready-to-eat food while connected through a digital call to family back home, where the atmosphere is filled with laughter and warmth. This contrasts the expat's quiet room with the vibrant, familial environment he yearns for, highlighting the challenge of maintaining emotional well-being in a distant context.
The article discusses the psychological nuances of experiencing Ramadan alone, celebrating its significance as a time meant for communal gatherings and bonding. The absence of traditional family rituals during this period can lead to feelings of alienation and emotional dissonance, as reflected in the expat's efforts to reassure his family over the phone while internally wrestling with his feelings of loneliness. The psychological toll of such isolation during a festive time is examined through various perspectives.
Furthermore, the article references recent psychological studies that underscore how transitions from collaborative living to isolated existence can trigger heightened anxiety and depression among individuals. This exploration serves as a call to acknowledge and validate the emotional states of those celebrating Ramadan in seclusion, shedding light on the multifaceted impacts of cultural and social displacement, and the necessity for supportive measures to enhance their psychological well-being during such a significant time of the year.