With financial stresses everywhere, many people are seeking to relocate. But, with 50% of expats at high risk of developing mental health issues, how can they maintain good mental health?
The expat insurance experts at William Russell have offered their eight top tips for expats on how best to manage their mental health and depression.
Top 8 tips for expats to maintain good mental health issues and depression:
• Seek a connection. Attending a language class or joining an activity group is a great way of learning to love something about a new country as well as making friends locally.
• Set some work-life boundaries. Don't compromise on quality time with your family or doing other things that are important to you.
• Remember to sleep and exercise. Physical activity and sleep have both been linked to mental well-being.
• Ask for advice. Join online communities and ask for advice well before you go, and find out about what issues you're likely to encounter in your chosen destination.
• Treat your mind like your body. Find out what help is available locally in case you ever require it and time is not readily available.
• Don't spend your life online. Keep up with friends and family at home as much as possible, but also try going out and making new friends locally.
• Recognise expat depression. Being able to act on negative feelings is an essential part of the expat's toolkit. If you feel depressed and suspect that you may be suffering from any mental health issue, seek help at the earliest opportunity.
• Manage your expectations. If you've experienced mental health issues in the past, make sure you have support in place before you go.
William Cooper, marketing director at William Russell has emphasised the importance of mental health when moving abroad:
"Studies conducted recently have shown expatriates may be at greater risk of mental health problems. This most often manifests in the form of expat depression however cases of stress, anxiety and isolation amongst the expatriate community are also on the rise.
See if your international health insurance offers an expat assistance programme where you can access talk therapy and other support services. If this is not enough, make an appointment to see your doctor, there is so much that can be done to help you feel better.
According to the NHS, the symptoms of depression can be physiological, physical and social.
Depression can often come on gradually, so it can be difficult to notice something is wrong. Many people try to cope with their symptoms without realising they're unwell. It can sometimes take a friend or family member to suggest something is wrong.
Look for the following signs:
• Consistent feelings of being sad or down (or the absence of positive feelings) for most of the day, nearly every day, lasting at least a couple of weeks
• Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
• Sleep issues
• Changes in energy levels
• Unexplained changes in appetite
• Unintentional weight loss or gain
• Loss of interest or inability to take pleasure in things previously enjoyed
• Unexplained physical ailments
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions"
