Expat life may be temporary or permanent, either way it means you are far from home in an unfamiliar setting and society. The excitement of navigating a new culture, language and location presents many exciting opportunities but also presents many challenges including loneliness. This blog post explores the loneliness that often accompanies expat living and offers some strategies for coping with it while embracing the adventure of expat life.
Mental Health & Health Impacts of Loneliness
Loneliness is often associated with solitude or a state of being alone. In reality, you can be surrounded by people and still feel lonely because it is also a state of mind. It is an emotion unique to individuals across the globe. There is no single cause for loneliness, but as an expat, feelings of loneliness are common. Relocating to a foreign country immerses you in the unfamiliar. Although you may have excellent social skills in your home country, you need help connecting, resulting in unwanted social isolation. It is critical to face loneliness head-on by acknowledging it and understanding the mental health impacts if your loneliness is not addressed.
Impacts of loneliness include health risks such as:
- Increased stress levels
- Depression
- Alcohol and drug misuse
- Sleep disturbances
- Weakened immune system
Signs You May Be Experiencing Loneliness
People experiencing loneliness may feel isolated and misunderstood. Sadness and feeling alone even when surrounded by people in your community or at work. A decreased desire to socialize and an inability to focus or concentrate are other symptoms of loneliness. Physical symptoms icluding loss of appetite and low energy levels may indicate a sense of loneliness impacting your life.
Tips for Facing Loneliness as an Expat
Make a Plan for Each Weekend
Weekdays often require a regular work schedule, and you may find yourself rolling into the weekend without a plan—this can lead to social isolation. Do a little research into your new area and make a plan to do something, at least one activity, each weekend. Choose places to explore or events that interest you. Try a new restaurant, coffee shop or bookstore. Choose something that appeals to you and is available in your new local area and make it happen!
Connect with Other Expats in Your Area
Connecting with people can help you combat loneliness. The challenge as an expat is how to connect with people in your new environment. While connecting with locals may be your goal, it will take time. You can start off by finding other expats in your area to connect with by searching Facebook groups or other meet-up apps.
Take a Language Class
Learning the local language is an excellent way to overcome language barriers and connect with people in your community. Gaining conversational-level language skills will help you with your day-to-day life and help you connect with people socially.
Exercise
Exercise is good for your mental health. Moving your body through intentional exercise can enhance your mind-body connection in relation to loneliness. Yoga, meditation, walking, running, or any physical activity you enjoy can help. You can exercise alone and still see benefits. You may want to join a walking group or sports club increasing your opportunities to connect with people as you workout.
Professional support can make a big difference if you are struggling with persistent feelings of loneliness. AT DK therapy, we understand the unique mental health challenges you face as an expat. Don’t let loneliness overshadow the joys of your expat journey. Visit DK Therapy to book a session with one of our professional therapists today.
