Moving to a new country is an exhilarating experience. There’s so much to do, even with support, your feet won’t touch the ground for weeks or months after they arrive. Finding your way around, learning about your new home, seeing the sights, settling into your new home and job, it’s a busy time.
'Moving to a new country is an exhilarating experience. There’s so much to do, your feet won’t touch the ground for weeks or months. But, at some point, sooner or later, reality hits, and it can be devastating.'
But, at some point, sooner or later, reality hits, and it can be devastating. Moving away from home changes everything: social networks, family, the knowledge that comes from living somewhere for a long time, all are gone. This can create uncertainty, loneliness, anxiety and depression.
In fact, a 2018 study of expats in the US, found that about half of international assignees were at risk of either anxiety or depression after their move.
No single cause
As with all mental health challenges, they are unique to the individual. But there are some core issues which are common to many expats:
- Culture shock
- Language barriers
- Unrealistic expectations
- Isolation/homesickness
- Stress from moving/adjusting
- Pre-existing mental health issues
- Loss of identity
- Addiction
- Depression
- Anxiety
It’s understandable that as the stress of moving, culture shock, social isolation are added to everyday life, these problems can descend into a crisis. But, with limited social networks to fall back on to, what can you do?
Do the simple things
The first place to start is with the basics; start by admitting that there’s an issue. That things are not okay. Acknowledging a problem is the first step to resolution. Yes, the first of many steps, but the first, none the less.
Next, it’s important to do basic selfcare. Get enough sleep, exercise, eat healthy food, don’t overdo it and make sure there’s some fun and relaxation in every day.
Get out there
The next step is probably the toughest: build a social network. But this is where relocation professionals like our members can help. Seeking out social groups to join, whether it’s a sports team, hobby club or networking group provides opportunities to form social networks.
This will also break up the “eat, sleep, work” routine that’s easy to get into. Social events which bring people together are the best way to combat loneliness and to start work on learning the local language.
Seek professional support
It’s important that expats are part of a long-term support programme when they relocate. A network of people who are available and open to supporting with all aspects of a relocation, from finding a home to feeling lonely in their host country.
Employers should make it clear to the expat that these services are available and create opportunities for struggles to be discussed. The health and wellbeing of any relocated team member is central to the success of the relocation, so the importance of this should not be underestimated.
We would also advise giving training to key members within the relocation programme to spot signs that someone is struggling. A well-timed coffee with some delicate questions can bring issues to the surface before they become critical. Early intervention can often lead to the swiftest identification and resolution of a problem.
Brussels based the Community Health Service is a great resource for expats. Staffed by trained volunteers, their 24/7 helpline is entirely confidential and free of charge. Because no one should feel alone, and help is only a phone call away…
It’s not just you
We all have worries, pressures and struggles. All are valid and all should be addressed. Failing to do so can lead to long-term issues not just for you, but for those around you too. Taking time to check in with yourself, to look at what is going on with your life and how you feel about it, is crucially important.
Make time to honestly assess how you’re doing and what’s going on. If you’re finding it hard to carve out that time for yourself, then see if you can enlist someone who is willing to support you in making that time, in asking those difficult questions. It may not be your partner, or your best friend, but find someone to open up to and really see how you’re doing.
Ask yourself, when was the last time you were honest with someone else about how you ACTUALLY are. Answering “how are you” from your heart, not with a throwaway comment to progress the conversation.
For that matter, when did you last check in with someone else and encourage them to be vulnerable with you? Give them space to be honest with their own deep worries and concerned?
If you can’t remember, it might be time you did.
Now, tell me, how are you? Really?
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