Moving abroad is a new and exciting chapter in a person’s life. You get to experience new things, new people and new cultures. But there’s one problem that can arise with almost anyone, and most people don’t recognize or talk about it.
It’s expat blues. Expat depression is a real problem, and it affects many people. While initial stress of moving places is normal, but if your problem persists even after months and doesn’t wear off. You might be dealing with expat blues.
You might not know it, but you could have developed expat depression. Identifying these problems is the first step towards solving it. Here is a list of five things that can help you identify expat blues.
1. Loss of interest in things you once enjoyed
After you moved to your new country, you can’t help but observe that you don’t find your previous hobbies that much enjoyable. You have either lost interest in them or can’t engage in them. Something inside you tells you that you should, but you just can’t manage to.
Initial isolation and frustration are usual after you switch countries. It diminishes with time. But, over time, if you find yourself losing interest in anything that once brought joy, you might be dealing with expat depression.
2. Fatigue and lack of energy
You are always tired. You spend the majority of your time indoors and can’t find the motivation to participate in anything. Even doing simple tasks seems like a burden. You feel worn out and can’t find the energy to do anything you like.
A lots of energy and motivation can also be an indicator of expat blues. If you find it challenging to accomplish difficult tasks, then it could indicate depression.
3. Sleep and appetite problems
You find it difficult to resume your previous sleeping patterns. It is difficult to fall asleep at night, and you might even develop insomnia. On the other hand, you may even start sleeping more and more and still feel tired. You also experience a noticeable change in your diet and weight.
Either you are eating more than usual or don’t find to have any appetite. Experiencing such problems over prolonged periods are also among the common indicators of expat depression.
4. Feelings of guilt and worthlessness
You feel worthless and guilty about yourself. You think that people in your neighbourhood don’t consider you to be a right person and they don’t like you. The new culture is putting pressure on you, and you think you can’t keep up with things. You are becoming homesick and can’t shake off the feeling of guilt and worthlessness.
Having such feelings of not being enough or experiencing immense pressure that’s becoming too hard to deal with can also indicate expat blues.
5. Thoughts of death and suicide
You are not finding life enjoyable as you once did. You are suffering in silence, and the feelings of depression are just not going away. Your negative thoughts are increasing, and you can’t help it. You have developed a drug addiction and often have thoughts of suicide.
Having thoughts of suicide and death means you should immediately seek a professional psychologist. These thoughts can be induced due to extreme pressure and depression. Having such feelings can be a dangerous indicator of expat blues. You should find a therapist immediately so they can help you.
Conclusion
The first step towards the solution of a problem is its identification. Expat blues is a real problem, and if you find any or all of these signs interfering with your daily activities, seek support immediately from a professional therapist. Therapy has drastically changed many lives, and it will definitely help you cope with your stress and make your experience abroad a whole lot better.
