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Moving to a foreign country can be exciting, but it comes with its challenges. You have to get used to a whole new way of life, away from the familiar and your support group. This transition can be even more challenging if you sacrificed your life back home to follow your partner’s move, such as for a career opportunity. As a trailing spouse, these changes can have a significant impact on your mental health. Our friends from
Pacific Prime Hong Kong share ways to cope with Trailing Spouse Depression.
Immerse yourself in local culture
Your new home may have an entirely different culture, way of living, climate, and language. Culture shock occurs when you feel unfamiliar with your new surroundings, and experience anxiety, frustration, or confusion as a result. To make the transition easier, do some research on the local culture so you’re mentally prepared. A great way to start immersing yourself in the culture is by learning the local language.
Be open to new friendships
It’s easy to miss your loved ones back home when you’re feeling lonely and isolated, which is why engaging in social activity is a must. Remember that humans are social creatures and we thrive off of connection. Don’t be shy about looking for friends through social media, expat groups, websites, and apps. Part of moving somewhere new is learning to put yourself out there in hopes of forming new bonds.
Talk about your feelings
You must find ways to express your feelings. Negative feelings that are not released do more harm than good. If you feel like you’re burdening your spouse, remind yourself that communication and trust are part of a healthy relationship. You and your partner can be there for each other and develop an even stronger bond because of it. A call to your friends and family or a session with a therapist can also help.
Take good care of yourself
With a healthy body and mind, life’s challenges can be much easier to deal with. Make sure you’re taking care of yourself by getting enough exercise, eating a healthy diet, and getting plenty of rest. It’s also important to listen to your feelings so you can process and learn from them. Sadness, loneliness, anger, and other uncomfortable feelings let us know that something needs our attention and care. Engage in activities you enjoy to fill your cup first.
Make the most of employee benefits
Find out what resources are included in your spouse’s employee benefits package. Employee relocation benefits covering the basics such as healthcare and family counseling can make a huge difference when you’re settling in. Some companies also provide spouse support through benefits like networking assistance, local language training, and employment placement.