By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
  • Health
    • Mental Health
    Health
    Healthcare organizations are operating on slimmer profit margins than ever. One report in August showed that they are even lower than the beginning of the…
    Show More
    Top News
    UV damage to eyes
    Warning Signs of Long-Term UV Damage to Your Eyes
    December 9, 2021
    degree for healthcare job
    The Ultimate Healthcare Recruiting and Staffing Guidebook
    March 21, 2022
    medicare part d benefits
    Everything that You Need to Know About Medicare Part D
    August 15, 2022
    Latest News
    Beyond Nutrition: Everyday Foods That Support Whole-Body Health
    June 15, 2025
    The Wide-Ranging Benefits of Magnesium Supplements
    June 11, 2025
    The Best Home Remedies for Migraines
    June 5, 2025
    The Hidden Impact Of Stress On Your Body’s Alignment And Balance
    May 22, 2025
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
    Policy and Law
    Get the latest updates about Insurance policies and Laws in the Healthcare industry for different geographical locations.
    Show More
    Top News
    Conservatives: The Utah Health Exchange is Not a Model
    July 23, 2011
    Medical Malpractice Reform Losing Physician Support
    November 7, 2011
    Hospitals Aim to Apply Direct Payments of Care Delivery to Increase Resources
    August 28, 2012
    Latest News
    Top HIPAA-Compliant Messaging Apps for Healthcare Teams
    June 25, 2025
    When Healthcare Ends, the Legal Process Begins: What Families Should Know About Probate and Medical Estates
    June 20, 2025
    Preventing Contamination In Healthcare Facilities Starts With Hygiene
    June 15, 2025
    Strengthening Healthcare Systems Through Clinical and Administrative Career Development
    June 13, 2025
  • Medical Innovations
  • News
  • Wellness
  • Tech
Search
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: 6 Tips for Taking Care of Your Mental Health When Working Abroad
Share
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
Font ResizerAa
Search
Follow US
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Health Works Collective > Policy & Law > Health care > 6 Tips for Taking Care of Your Mental Health When Working Abroad
Health careWellness

6 Tips for Taking Care of Your Mental Health When Working Abroad

John Henning
Last updated: November 27, 2018 3:55 pm
John Henning
Share
5 Min Read
SHARE

 

Struggling with isolation and depression abroad is incredibly common for expats and other long-term residents of foreign countries. Being depressed abroad also has its own set of challenges that make it particularly difficult for sufferers. Chief among these challenges is the fact that sufferers may not easily find someone they can relate with, due perhaps to the expat community being too small, or because they may have difficulty expressing themselves in the native language.

In most cases, however, there are a number of things depression sufferers can do in order to stay healthy and productive abroad. Here are just a few of the things you can try.

1.) Keep a ready supply of needed medications

More Read

November is National Family Caregiver Month
Why I Don’t Adhere to Evidence-Based Medical Care
The Alarming Reality of Prescription Drug Abuse
Addressing Addiction In Primary Care
A Guide To Wegovy Semaglutide for Weight Management

If you have certain types of prescribed medication, they may not be available or even legal in your host country. Provided that you can legally stock them, you should have enough of your prescribed medication ready at all times.

2.) Keep a pet, if possible

If you’re going to become a long-term resident in your host country, consider keeping a low-maintenance pet if you can afford it. Having a pet can relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety and can help provide you with grounding in your host country. Just make sure you have a plan for taking them with you if you have to go back home.

3.) Make sure to keep a healthy but flexible schedule

Both a strict routine and an overabundance of free time can really mess with your head and your sense of self. Make no mistake – routines are critical for helping conserve mental energy, but they can also make you feel closed in and isolated. A good routine should allow you to make time for exercise, preparing healthy meals, and a decent amount of time to enjoy yourself.

4.) Correspond with loved ones

It’s important to keep in touch with those who are important to you, back home. Make sure to schedule regular calls of Skype or your preferred apps or methods. Hearing the voice of someone you love, even if just for 10 minutes can be just the thing to get you out of a rut.

You can also try writing long-form emails or old-school snail mail to your loved ones. Composing these will also have the effect of helping you organize your thoughts and help you make better sense of your current situation.

5.) Join local groups

You can try joining local hobby groups, bands, sports clubs, professional associations, or any social club that you find interesting during your stay abroad. You can typically get in touch with these groups through social media or through coworkers, local contacts, and other expats.

Joining a group can prevent feelings of loneliness and isolation while allowing you to learn more about specific things that interest you. Being a part of a group that does activities will also relieve boredom, which might otherwise be channeled into negative coping mechanisms like alcohol and self-loathing.

6.) Continue your therapy

You may be able to continue some important aspects of your therapy with your psychiatrist online. Alternately, you can attempt to seek a local psychiatrist that speaks your language, if available. Mental health issues among long term-foreign residents is a well-discussed topic with decades of study, and you’re sure to find a doctor or therapist that can help you with your needs.

7.) Invest in your physical health

Being physically unhealthy can, in fact, exacerbate your mental stability. Whatever your mental state or reasons for going abroad, make sure to take the steps necessary to keep yourself healthy. Leave enough time for at least 3 hours of moderate exercise a week, minimum and try to avoid indulging in unhealthy foods and habits.

It will also be a great idea to take an international health insurance policy from a specialist insurance company such as Now Health International. These specialized firms are typically able to give you a much wider coverage compared to other insurers.

Share This Article
Facebook Copy Link Print
Share
By John Henning
John Henning is a nutritionist, freelance writer, and food blogger that provides accessible nutrition info to help people live a healthier life. His unique approach to nutrition emphasizes nutrient-dense, whole foods and healthy habits rather than restrictive diets.

Stay Connected

1.5kFollowersLike
4.5kFollowersFollow
2.8kFollowersPin
136kSubscribersSubscribe

Latest News

women dental care
What Is a Smile Makeover and How Much Does It Cost?
Dental health
June 30, 2025
HIPAA-Compliant Messaging Apps
Top HIPAA-Compliant Messaging Apps for Healthcare Teams
Global Healthcare Policy & Law Technology
June 25, 2025
recovering from injury
Rebuilding After Injury: Path to Physical and Emotional Recovery
News
June 22, 2025
scientist using microscope
When Healthcare Ends, the Legal Process Begins: What Families Should Know About Probate and Medical Estates
Global Healthcare
June 18, 2025

You Might also Like

Exclusive All-Video Caregiving Site

April 28, 2011
Health careHome HealthPublic HealthWellness

Will the Foodie Movement Reduce Chronic Diseases With Millennials in the Future?

April 30, 2018

Economist Highlights the Home Birth Debate

April 4, 2011
HCAHPS and mobilization
eHealthHealth ReformMedical InnovationsMobile HealthTechnologyWellness

4 Approaches to Improving HCAHPS Scores Through Mobilization

October 27, 2014
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!
Follow US
© 2008-2025 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?