How to deal with immigration mentally

Saying goodbye to your home country and loved ones seems like an impossible job when you have just decided to move overseas. That is why immigration and mental health are more connected than one might think.

Moving abroad may sound glamorous, but the challenges that come with this action can have several implications on both your finances and emotions. You do not only move away from your home country and loved ones but also from your comfort zone. You are going to settle in a new place where you probably do not know anyone and put a lot of pressure on yourself to make things work. Needless to say, there is a new culture and language to engage in, and adjusting to the situation might take a while. So, if you experience feelings of isolation and stress, do not panic. Feeling a bit lost at first is normal since the spiral of events can be hard to assimilate. As for the trigger points, find that what makes you feel alone or depressed is not necessarily making another individual feel the same. That is because each person has their own triggers ranging from a change in their children’s behavior to a simple request from a friend or the common act of packing your belongings. There are so many aspects to immigration that it is hard to assume moving abroad is hassle-free.

But do not get discouraged. If you are one of those expats looking for ways to adapt and deal with immigration psychologically, you have come to the right place. Here are ten valuable tips that, if followed thoroughly, will give you peace of mind while living an expat life.

Saying goodbye to your home country and loved ones seems like an impossible job when you have just decided to move overseas. That is why immigration and mental health are more connected than one might think.

Moving abroad may sound glamorous, but the challenges that come with this action can have several implications on both your finances and emotions. You do not only move away from your home country and loved ones but also from your comfort zone. You are going to settle in a new place where you probably do not know anyone and put a lot of pressure on yourself to make things work. Needless to say, there is a new culture and language to engage in, and adjusting to the situation might take a while. So, if you experience feelings of isolation and stress, do not panic. Feeling a bit lost at first is normal since the spiral of events can be hard to assimilate. As for the trigger points, find that what makes you feel alone or depressed is not necessarily making another individual feel the same. That is because each person has their own triggers ranging from a change in their children’s behavior to a simple request from a friend or the common act of packing your belongings. There are so many aspects to immigration that it is hard to assume moving abroad is hassle-free.

But do not get discouraged. If you are one of those expats looking for ways to adapt and deal with immigration psychologically, you have come to the right place. Here are ten valuable tips that, if followed thoroughly, will give you peace of mind while living an expat life.

Prepare as much as you can in advance

We are going to give you the same advice we would give to a regular traveler - plan out as much as you can beforehand. Consider writing things down so you can easily follow each point and not forget something indispensable. This includes everything from buying your air tickets and finding out about international driving licenses to ensuring you have a valid passport and comply with the state’s laws and requirements. You may also want to research the job opportunities available in that region - obviously, you need to make a living in this new country as well.

Have a proper farewell

The worst aspect about an overseas move is missing your loved ones. You do not want to leave without having a proper farewell and hence continually ask yourself, ‘What would it have been like if …?’. We know it hurts to say goodbye, especially if it is about your family or romantic partner, but for your own peace of mind, we recommend scheduling meetups with these people and spending quality time together so that beautiful memories forever dwell in your hearts. And most importantly, ensure everyone approves of you moving to a new place.

Bring along home comforts

There is nothing like home, right? But what if you brought the home with you? After all, home is not necessarily a place but how one feels about a particular space. It could be anything that makes you feel comfortable and jubilant, from a specific candle and blanket to a trinket or that inherited ring from your grandma. However, ensure these sentimental belongings do not overwhelm you even more and that you perceive them as mere positives, not trigger points that would further worsen your emotional state.

Stay in touch with your loved ones

Moving abroad comes with the fear of losing contact with the people you love, but it does not have to be like that. After all, we have phones and social media. Technological advancements nowadays allow you to communicate with someone in the other part of the globe. So, do not let distance ruin your relationships and often converse with your loved ones about the simplest of things - just as you would have done if you had not left.

Let go of the past and embrace the now

One common cause of feeling sad when abroad is that you continue to hold on to the past. It is understandable that you miss those places and people that have made you feel special. And this is also one reason you might compare this actual place with the one you left. Our recommendation - we know it may sound impossible - is to give this new city a chance and immerse yourself in its wonders. Once you discover other places and activities to indulge in, you will no longer perceive this new country as a threat but as an opportunity.

Eat well, feel well

You are what you eat, remember? This is valid when moving to a new country as well. We know it might be hard to eat well since you have no idea of these people’s way of living and food preferences or where to get groceries, but keep calm - it is not the end of the world. Consider sparing some time to explore the surroundings and even talk to your new neighbors about this topic. This will help you find delicious foods and top-rated restaurants near you.

Take care of your well-being

It is normal to have mixed feelings about this new place, but take a deep breath - everything has a start. Some ingenious ways to deal with stress and anxiety during your first months as an expat include breathing exercises, mindfulness, journaling, and finding physical activities that align with your needs. This can mean everything from a simple walk through the nearest park to practicing Pilates.

Immerse yourself in the new culture

Each culture has its own customs, traditions, and values. After all, this is what makes it unique. So, why not give the one you have just immigrated to a chance? We are pretty sure you will find both similarities to your home country’s culture and disparities. But these disparities make for an opportunity to rediscover yourself, find new pleasures, new hobbies etc.

Do not be afraid to meet new people

Moving overseas comes with the chance of making new friends, so be sure you benefit from the current situation to go out. Our advice would be not to rely exclusively on virtual communication and instead get out of your comfort zone. You will see that people there can be just as friendly as the friends you have just said goodbye to. 

Be patient with yourself

Last but not least, give yourself time. Do not push things; most importantly, do not force yourself to be happy. Instead, be patient with your feelings and needs, and take things slow. With baby steps, you will adapt to the new place and language and turn a ‘strangeness’ into a home sooner than you think.

Adjusting takes time, and your mental health is all that matters in this process. So, ensure you follow these recommendations to stay abreast of the psychological challenges of moving abroad.