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DALLAS, TX – For Alex Mercado, the bright lights of Dallas, promising a better future, quickly turned into a source of profound isolation. Far from his family in Ciudad Juarez, the 28-year-old found himself battling insomnia and a creeping sense of unease. His experience, like that of many immigrants, is a manifestation of what’s known as Ulysses syndrome.
“I always wanted this, but maybe it wasn’t what I was expecting,” Mercado shared. “But I was already here, and I had to work hard because I wanted to be with my girlfriend, now my wife. I had to adapt.”
Ulysses syndrome, named after the Greek hero Odysseus, is a condition characterized by chronic stress and anxiety stemming from the challenges of adapting to a new environment. Dr. Joseba Achotegui of the University of Barcelona, who identified and named the syndrome, likens the immigrant experience to Odysseus’s arduous journey home.
Mercado, a U.S. citizen raised on the El Paso border, moved to North Texas seeking improved opportunities. He soon faced the harsh realities of cultural differences, unfamiliar weather, and new culinary experiences.
According to Dr. Achotegui, Ulysses syndrome is a stress response to the grief and hardships inherent in migration. While sadness and worry are common during transitions, Ulysses syndrome represents a more intense and prolonged stress reaction.
Key stressors include loneliness, fear of the unknown, and the loss of attachment, affection, and security. “I was away from my girlfriend, now my wife, my parents, and everything I knew,” Mercado explained. Additionally, navigating an unfamiliar environment can heighten fears about personal safety.
The symptoms of Ulysses syndrome – sadness, worry, irritability, insomnia, and headaches – often mimic those of depression, leading to potential misdiagnosis and unnecessary medication. Dr. Achotegui emphasizes the importance of educating healthcare professionals about this condition to prevent stigmatization and ensure appropriate support.
“Educating health care professionals about Ulysses syndrome is vital to prevent stigmatization and ensure appropriate support,” Achotegui said. “If not, it can be confused with depression, and [medication] will affect the patient instead of helping them.”
Crucially, Ulysses syndrome differs from depression in that individuals experiencing it are proactive and actively seek solutions.
For Mercado, therapy, focusing on his work, and family visits were instrumental in overcoming his struggles. Dr. Achotegui highlights the resilience of migrants, who often navigate unfamiliar healthcare systems, languages, and cultures.
For those without access to professional healthcare, community support and increased social interaction can help mitigate symptoms. Understanding legal and social support systems available to migrants can also alleviate mental stress.
“To reduce the forced isolation, individuals can look for community support in activity groups where they can have more social interaction,” he said. “Also, knowing what are the legal and social support systems they have as migrants can help to mitigate the mental stress that is one of the common biggest fears.”
The U.S. receives millions of authorized immigrants annually, making it crucial to recognize and address the unique mental health challenges they face.
2025 The Dallas Morning News.
Disclaimer: This article provides information about Ulysses syndrome for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. It is essential to consult1 with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.2 If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of stress, anxiety, or depression, please seek professional help.
