WHEN HOME BECOMES A MEMORY: THE PSYCHOLOGICAL CONSEQUENCES OF DISPLACEMENT AND LOSS

The Georgian context offers a rich foundation for studying ambiguous loss in displaced communities.While forced to leave their homes, many remain uncertain whether their displacement is permanent or temporary, sustaining hope for return.Adapting to a new environment is particularly challenging for those who spent most of their lives in their homeland, as they grapple with trauma, nostalgia, and a deep attachment to their "true" home.Limited access to mental health services further complicates their resettlement.This study explores how Georgian IDPs experience ambiguous loss, examining its psychological impact and coping mechanisms.A qualitative analysis of 10 life stories highlights an often-overlooked aspect of displacement, providing insights for professionals supporting forcibly displaced populations.Although the research is ongoing, preliminary findings suggest that even 17 years after displacement, individuals continue to struggle with ambiguity, feeling caught between their past and present homes.