How to manage your mental health while studying abroad
One of the most difficult things at a time when you are doing a study abroad program is managing your mental health with none of your support system around you. You are going through a lot in a country that is not your home, and even if you are having the best experience, sometimes it can be hard to manage your emotions. So how can you manage your mental health from abroad?
Talk to your support system
While this seems like an obvious tip, it can still be hard to do because most of your support system may not understand what you are going through. Don’t forget that they have known you for a while, and so they probably have the right words to help you feel better when you are feeling a bit down.
2. Talk to a professional
American universities have really increased their mental health support due to a Gen Z mental health crisis. Don’t hesitate to talk to someone at your campus’s health center. They know how difficult it can be to be an international students and can really help and support you. You can also find a professional online that is not on campus; however, if you are studying in the US, know that therapy can be quite expensive, so I would check with your university first, as they may have student tares on campus and even some free sessions.
3. Move
As some say, depression cannot hit a moving target. There are so many activities you can do on campus outside of classes, so go and try one. It doesn’t matter if you go alone or with someone. As long as you are doing something, it will help your mental health. Working out, for instance, is a great way to release endorphins, which will help you feel happier.
4. Keep a journal
This may seem like a very 2000s rom-com piece of advice, but hear me out. Sometimes, you won’t be able to talk to your support system or to a therapist; sometimes, you also just don’t want to. Journaling can be a great way to keep track of all of your experiences and cool moments while also helping you process emotions. It can be a great way to work through your thought process to de-escalate your emotions.
5. Talk with other international students
At times, the other international students can be the best people you can talk to if you are experiencing hardships because the truth is that they have probably been in the same situation at least once, or they are currently in the same situation, especially if y’all arrived at the same time on campus.
Last words
As a previous international student, I used all of these tips while I was doing my bachelor’s degree in North Carolina. I know that balancing your mental health is not always the easiest thing in the world. Some days you will feel on top of the world and so happy to be able to experience what you are experiencing; however, it is possible that on other days you will feel quite down, and that’s okay. If you feel like you have more downs than highs, that it when you will have to actually consider talking to a professional. No matter what, you got this <3!
Quick advice for international students who are struggling mentally
There is light at the end of the tunnel, so don’t give up right away.
Talk it out, don’t bottle up your emotions, especially when you are far away from your support system; it only makes it worse.
It can take a year (sometimes more) to feel at home at your new university; don’t make any irrational decisions too soon.
