The Power of Connection: How Refugee Families Stay Strong Across Borders

By Tanya Elez, Ph.D.

When we think about the refugee experience, images of loss, separation, and hardship often come to mind. But behind every story of displacement is another story-one of resilience, love, and the enduring power of relationships.

Yusef’s Journey: A Family Scattered, A Bond Unbroken

Yusef was just 19 when his world changed forever. After his father was imprisoned and disappeared without a trace, Yusef became the caretaker for his mother and younger siblings. As political violence escalated, Yusef himself became a target. To protect him, the family made the heart-wrenching decision for Yusef to flee the country, leaving his siblings to take on new responsibilities at home.

Eventually, danger forced his siblings to escape as well, scattering the family across different countries. Despite the pain of separation, Yusef and his family found ways to stay connected-through secret phone calls, shared memories, and small acts of care. Their sense of responsibility and love for one another only deepened, sustaining hope and belonging even in the face of profound loss.

Why Relationships Matter in the Refugee Journey

Research shows that strong family and social connections are not just “nice to have”-they are essential for mental health and healing, especially for refugees who have survived trauma and loss. Family ties, friendships, and community bonds provide:

• Emotional support: A sense of being seen, heard, and valued.
• Continuity: Rituals and traditions that anchor identity, even in new places.
• Resilience: Motivation to keep going, care for others, and rebuild after loss.

But maintaining these connections isn’t easy. Refugees often face barriers like language differences, cultural adjustment, and the heartbreak of missing loved ones left behind.

How Clinicians and Communities Can Help

If you work with refugees-or want to support someone in your community-here are a few ways to foster relational resilience:

1. Honor Grief and Loss: Create safe spaces for people to share stories, remember loved ones, and express their grief without judgment.
2. Support Creative Connections: Encourage families to use technology, rituals, or symbolic acts to stay in touch, even across borders.
3. Facilitate New Relationships: Help newcomers find community groups, peer support, or cultural organizations that offer belonging and understanding.
4. Respect Cultural Identity: Affirm the importance of traditions, language, and values. Support adaptation, but never at the cost of erasing identity.
5. Empower Strengths: Remind clients and families of the resilience they’ve already shown. Celebrate small victories and acts of care.

Final Thoughts

Yusef’s story is just one among millions. Every refugee family has its own way of holding on to hope and connection. As clinicians, neighbors, and friends, we can play a part in strengthening these vital bonds-helping refugees not just survive, but thrive.

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If you found this post helpful, share it with your network or leave a comment below. Together, we can build more compassionate, connected communities.

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Interested in more tips for supporting refugee mental health? Stay tuned for our next post on “Friendships as Lifelines: Building New Support Networks After Displacement.”

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