GIVE YOURSELF AN UNFAIR ADVANTAGE
GIVE YOURSELF AN UNFAIR ADVANTAGE
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Is Mental Health Really Healthy? 5 Reasons It's Key for Expats
This article explores the connection between mental health and expat life, questioning whether mental health is really healthy and why it matters so much when living abroad. It dives into 5 key reasons why prioritizing mental well-being is crucial for expats and offers simple tips on how to take care of your mental health in a new country.
Gal Szmelcman Sela
Friday, October 04, 2024
With World Mental Health Day just around the corner, I couldn’t help but wonder: Is mental health actually healthy? I mean, we talk about it all the time, but the more we try to keep it in check, the more it feels like we’re juggling plates in the air, hoping none of them crash.
But wait—what does mental health even mean? It’s not just about feeling good or managing stress levels like a pro. According to the World Health Organization, mental health is a state of well-being that enables you to cope with life’s stresses, realize your abilities, work productively, and even contribute to your community. So, it's not just about staying calm on a tough day—it’s the foundation that helps you handle everything from daily challenges to the really big stuff, like moving abroad. Think of it as your mind’s fitness plan. It's what keeps you running when life’s obstacles feel more like a marathon than a sprint.
(Photo by luizclas on Pexels)
The Expat Life and Mental Health: A Perfect Storm?
Let’s be honest: moving abroad is painted as this glamorous, exciting adventure. And it is, don’t get me wrong. But underneath the excitement is this extra layer of emotional juggling that we often forget to mention. New language, new culture, new… everything. And, among all the packing, visas, and figuring out how to say "focus" in the right accent in the local language (I still mix it between French and English every single time!), mental health tends to get shoved to the back of the line. "I'll feel better once I'm settled in," we tell ourselves.
Except that’s the catch. It doesn’t always work like that. The mental and emotional toll of moving abroad doesn’t magically disappear once you’ve unpacked the last box. You don’t suddenly feel amazing just because you’ve figured out where to find that really good place that makes your coffee just the way you like it (although that is a small victory). Mental health isn’t something you can afford to ignore while you focus on the logistics. In fact, for expats, it’s arguably the most important thing to focus on.
5 Reasons Why Mental Health is Crucial When Living Abroad
Mental health, as you can imagine, is important for everyone, but for expats, it’s like wearing an extra layer of armor. The challenges you face abroad can amplify the normal stresses of life, so that extra layer of mental health protection? It’s essential.
1. Coping with Constant Change
Life abroad is a rollercoaster. One day you’re thrilled to be in a new country; the next, you’re homesick because you can’t share the same festivities that your hometown is currently celebrating. This constant change can be mentally exhausting. If your mental health is in a good place, it helps you adapt to all the ups and downs more smoothly.
2. Loneliness Hits Different
Loneliness is real, even if you move with a partner or family. You’re in a new country where you don’t have your usual support system. Sure, you can FaceTime friends and family, but it’s not the same as grabbing a coffee with someone who just gets you. Strong mental health can help buffer that feeling of isolation until you find your people.
3. Culture Shock is Real
Culture shock isn’t just about weird language slang or strange customs; it’s about how emotionally disorienting it can be to suddenly feel out of place. Good mental health gives you the resilience to embrace the differences without feeling like you’ve lost your footing.
(Photo by Julia Maks on Pexels)
4. Expat Burnout Lurks in the Shadows
Moving abroad can bring a lot of pressure—pressure to “succeed,” pressure to make it work, and pressure to adapt as fast as possible. This, and other relocation aspects, can lead to burnout quicker than you think. A strong mental health foundation helps you recognize when to slow down, take a break, and breathe.
5. Your Identity Takes a Hit
Who are you in this new place? You might have been a confident, thriving individual back home, but suddenly, you feel like you’re starting from scratch (which isn’t true, and I might write about it in a different blog). It’s disorienting. Mental health helps you stay grounded in who you are, even when everything around you feels foreign.
(Photo by Andras Stefuca on Pexels)
So, Is Mental Health Actually Healthy?
Yes! But not in the way we often think of it. Mental health isn't about striving for perfection or being “okay” all the time. It’s not a box you check off once and then move on. It’s about managing, maintaining, and nurturing your inner well-being—especially when you’re dealing with the whirlwind of life abroad.
But sometimes, we make mental health feel like an extra job. Like it's something you have to fix. But here's the secret: mental health isn’t a chore, it’s a way of being. It’s the practice of checking in with yourself, giving yourself permission to have bad days, and knowing that’s perfectly fine. It's about recognizing that thriving mentally isn’t about being bulletproof—it’s about knowing when and how to take care of yourself.
3 Simple Ways to Take Care of Your Mental Health While Living Abroad
Let’s face it: life abroad can be overwhelming. The good news? Taking care of your mental health doesn’t need to be complicated. Here are three simple practices to weave into your routine:
Create a Routine for Self-Care
Living abroad often means tossing your usual routines out the window. Establish a new rhythm—even a small one—to anchor you. Whether it’s a daily walk, a quick meditation, or a weekly video call with a loved one, routines are grounding. Your brain loves a little predictability amidst all the chaos.
(Photo by Hannah Nelson on Pexels)
Focus On One Positive Thing A Day
Negative thoughts are like weeds. They will pop up, no matter how hard you try to keep your mental space ‘clean’. But the trick isn’t getting rid of them forever (good luck with that)—it’s about tending to your mental garden regularly. A little mindfulness here, some self-compassion there, and things look a lot less overgrown.
My go-to strategy? Focusing on one positive thing that happened each day. Something that made me smile or made my heart sing, even if it’s just “I didn’t burn my toast this morning.” (Hey, small wins!) Actually, I started a WhatsApp group, and we share one positive thing every day for 90 days. Want to join? The more, the merrier!
Embrace the Messiness
Here’s the truth: life abroad can be chaotic. Plans fall apart, things get lost in translation (literally), and you’ll have days where you feel like nothing is going right. Instead of fighting the mess, try to lean into it. Embrace the unexpected. Mental health is about resilience, not control. So, when things go sideways, laugh it off, breathe, and remind yourself that this, too, is part of the journey.
Final Thoughts: The Key to Thriving Abroad
So, back to that initial question—is mental health actually healthy? Yes, but only when we treat it like a natural part of life, not a problem to solve. When you move abroad, prioritizing your mental well-being becomes your best ally in this adventure. It’s what helps you bounce back, stay present, and truly enjoy this wild, unpredictable ride called expat life.
And if at any point you feel overwhelmed, remember that SYLA app is here to help you balance the logistics and mindset that make a world of difference. And if you ever feel like you need more personalized guidance, we offer 1:1 transformational packages designed to make your expat life more positive and empowering.
So, let me ask you this, what will you do to start prioritizing your mental health?
Written by Gal Sela-Szmelcman
Founder of Smoozitive and creator of SYLA app - the #1 app for those living abroad. Gal is a positive psychology coach, expert in cultivating a positive mindset and uplifting others. She has been an expat since a young age, and relocated over 8 times. Her most recent move to France in 2020 provided an opportunity to focus her work on those living abroad, as she understands the challenges they face.
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