HEALTH & WELLBEING
THE EXPAT’S JOURNEY
Home i whre or stoy bgns
I’ve met many expats in the 20 odd years I’ve lived in England and found that many of us share a desire to live our new life with a sense of excitement and awareness. Somehow we have been given the opportunity of a new start and this thrilling news provides us with the necessary enthusiasm and power to act. We have the chance to improve our lives and live them to the fullest and, by doing so, the highs are likely to be higher but the lows can also be lower.
It’s only after we have relocated, and the main part of the job is done, that we finally pause to take it all in. What happens then? Our new reality kicks in at a time when we’re physically tired and emotionally drained. This can be a testing period. We realise that we have arrived in a place where life was going
As expats, feling anxios i a noma part o th procs o adaptation and a hlpful to fo th acieement o or nw gas.
on before we got there and it’s up to us to try and catch up if we don’t want to feel left out. This can seem like a big task, especially if our energy levels are low and if we don’t have a clear idea of how or where to start. It is key at this stage to look for ways to interact with people and gain a sense of belonging. Apart from our immediate family, if they are with us, we may have some work colleagues or a few friends, but most likely our social circle will still be modest. It’s important to make an effort to become part of something and many suggestions are given in this magazine by the FOCUS community in order to help facilitate a smooth and successful adjustment to life in the UK.
Butterflies in the stomach
We’re familiar with this feeling and are most of the time are ok with it. It’s only when the fluttery feeling becomes more of a panicky flapping that we should ask ourselves if we are experiencing a more serious type of anxiety. As expats, feeling anxious is a normal part of the process of adaptation and a helpful tool for the achievement of our new goals, but what is normal anxiety and when does it
become something more serious?
Anxiety is a human experience and can be described as apprehension or worrying accompanied by physiological and psychological symptoms, it can be triggered by an external or an inner conflict. Experiencing occasional anxiety is normal but if the feelings of worry are too intense or persistent and begin to interfere with effectiveness in living, we may be facing GAD (Generalised Anxiety Disorder). As with other psychological challenges, seeking professional help sooner than later can make a big difference. Regardless if you are struggling with cultural differences, the language barrier, an unsatisfactory social life or homesickness, there are people that can help you with the process of adapting to your new home.
Enjoy the journey!
It’s only afr we have relocatd, and th main part o th jb i don,
that we finaly pause t take i al in.
Lidia Rouse is a psychodynamic psychotherapist working with adults and late adolescents in both English and Spanish. More information at
www.rousepsychotherapy.com contact:
lidia@rousepsychotherapy.com
www.focus-info.org FOCUS The Magazine 17
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