A semester abroad: four months in Europe exploring cobbled streets, ancient cathedrals, rolling hills, and breath taking coasts. My time abroad was life changing, but there was a darker side to traveling the world that I wasn’t prepared for and that was how my mental health would be affected.
Studying abroad tends to exacerbate many mental illnesses. New culture, new friends, and a new city all without your usual support systems can trigger episodes. It can be very isolating to be thousands of miles away from family and friends.
Anxiety
For me, not being in control shoots my anxiety through the roof. When you live in a different country with a different language, few things will ever go as planned. There’ll be confusion with the public transportation and miscommunication with the locals. There’ll be so many new things that’ll be outside of your usual routine and you may not have access to your normal coping mechanisms, which is STRESSFUL.
Depression
Being depressed while studying abroad goes beyond the normal bout of homesickness that most people experience. You could be in one of the most beautiful places in the world and not be able to appreciate if you’re depressed. You know you should be ecstatic to have such an incredible opportunity, but all you feel is low.
Eating Disorder
Spain offers an amazing selection of foods. You can’t walk down the street without the smell of baking bread wafting out from a “pandería” or pass by a window without seeing a spread of chocolate covered pastries. For me, food has always been a struggle, trying to find a balance between trying all the foods while maintaining a healthy mentality was hard.
Coping
Mental illness should never dissuade you from going abroad. My experience abroad has been amazing. However, before going abroad, creating a care plan is essential. So here are some of the things that have helped me:
- Journaling: Getting all your negative thoughts out on paper can help clear your mind. Not only will writing about your time abroad be mentally soothing, but also it’ll give you a way to remember your trip.
- Exercise: Not only is exercise a great stress reliever, it’s also a great way to explore. Running, biking, and roller-skating are all cheap ways to travel. They also allow you to experience the city much more effectively than just driving.
- Stay in Touch: Try not to avoid your friends and family from home. When you’re feeling isolated and sad, it’s easy to withdraw. DON’T DO IT. Reach out to others and tell them how you’re feeling. Remember that they love you and want you to be happy! Sharing what you’re going through can help alleviate negative emotions
- Sign Up for Things: I have the tendency to bail on plans when I’m not feeling good about myself or am anxious about things. However, if I paid money for something nonrefundable, you can be sure that I’ll show up! Signing up for activities forces you out of bed and to experience the country you flew halfway around the world to see in the first place!
Remember why you decided to leave your home. Stay strong and do what you set out do do!