How do you take care of your mental health when expatriating?

Expatriation: an enriching but demanding adventure

Moving abroad is a powerful experience, and one that each person experiences differently. During their stay, expatriates have to face up to different aspects of society in the country of expatriation that they had more or less anticipated. You’ll have to adapt to new cultural codes and different personalities. You’ll also have to deal with the way people in your new country look at you. This is what we call culture shock. Culture shock is normal, whatever your country of origin or destination, or the reason for your departure. Expatriation entails a change of status, state and environment, all of which can be a source of stress! For example, stress due to the high demands of your company when you go abroad. This can go as far as psychic and social disorientation. These changes often have an impact not only on oneself, but also on the quality of one’s family, professional life and schooling. Several studies have shown that expatriates are at increased risk of mental health problems, including depression. Medical assistance may therefore be necessary when you decide to move abroad.

Moving abroad: a choice that challenges habits

First of all, the body can be subjected to new physical parameters depending on the expatriate’s host country, such as temperature, humidity and differences in sunlight. Each region of the world presents its own specific health risks, which can also lead to adjustments in diet and eating habits. What’s more, time differences and changes of rhythm can be disruptive, impacting both physical and mental health, while the mind is confronted with new cultural and social challenges. Moving from one country to another means adapting to cultural differences and finding one’s place in a new society, which can sometimes be psychologically disorientating, whether on a professional, personal or family level. Time differences can also affect communication with loved ones and sleep, making the adjustment even more complex.

The psychological and health challenges of expatriation

Cultural stereotypes and the way the local population looks at things can also affect mental well-being, especially as expatriates can feel weakened by these changes. Fortunately, this period of instability can be temporary, and is often part of the acclimatization process. Expatriates are often more vulnerable to psychological changes, which can have a direct impact on their physical health. A body weakened by stress or mental exhaustion is more likely to develop health problems, even benign ones, which can worsen as a result of remoteness. A preventive treatment, such as a course of vitamins prescribed by your doctor before departure, can be a wise way of strengthening your health in the face of the challenges of expatriation

Psychological help for expatriates

Sometimes expatriates feel the need to consult a health professional to help them cope with the challenges of adaptation. A simple listening ear can be an effective lever for adapting more easily, or for coping with certain challenges, such as estrangement from loved ones (family and friends). It’s important not to be ashamed of consulting a competent doctor, as waiting too long can lead to sleep disorders, identity problems or even tension with those around you. To ensure that this new adventure goes as smoothly as possible, it’s essential to take some time for yourself! Leaving France permanently or for a long period of time can make it difficult to keep track of all your medical needs. The notion of a general practitioner or family doctor is more common in France, and this can complicate patient follow-up abroad. This cultural difference can make it difficult to maintain physical and mental stability.

Preventing disorders and gaining easy access to care

A certain sense of shame can also affect expatriates, delaying recourse to care or therapy. If you feel the need to seek help, don’t wait until you’re back in your home country. Consulting a health professional can prevent depressive disorders. Thanks to technological advances, it is now possible to consult a doctor in your native language, via teleconsultation, which is often reassuring. In France, and even more so when you’re an expatriate, mental health sometimes remains a taboo subject, with limited access to quality information and care. Finding a competent therapist abroad can be a complex task, especially as treatment paths differ from country to country. Mental illness is not always approached in the same way in Canada, the UK or Thailand, for example. Good preparation can help you avoid setbacks and ease your adjustment. Find out about the quality of mental health care, including options such as alternative medicine, local cultural approaches, and other available means of prevention.

COVID-19 and expatriate mental health

Although the COVID-19 pandemic initially had a significant impact on expatriate mental health, restrictions have evolved considerably and are now almost non-existent. The ability to travel freely has enabled expatriates to regain a degree of stability. However, the lasting effects of the pandemic, such as the stress of travel or prolonged isolation, can still take their toll on mental well-being. For those seeking support, there are teleconsultation solutions that enable French-speaking psychologists to be consulted from abroad.

Access to mental health care on expatriation

Solutions for accessing mental health care abroad have multiplied, facilitating access to healthcare professionals in one’s native language, thanks in particular to expatriate-specialized platforms such as FeelBetter Company. Today, there are more platforms enabling expatriates to access French-speaking or multilingual psychologists in teleconsultation, making care more accessible and adapted to the specificities of each host country.

International health insurance and mental health abroad

First of all, it’s important to know that the level of coverage linked to mental health is often precarious. 40% of French people abroad are not covered for mental health, as this can have a significant additional cost. Before leaving for a foreign country, we are increasingly aware of what is known as “culture shock”, “homesickness” or “expat blues”. With the right information, you can more easily prevent the risk of depression or mental illness. Psychiatric care is reimbursed in a variety of ways by insurers, so it’s not always easy to find your way around. Some insurance contracts only cover psychiatry in the context of hospitalization. Others offer reimbursement for psychiatric consultations with a waiting period of 12 months from the effective date of the international health insurance contract. And for the most generous, you can benefit from an annual consultation reimbursement package. This can be an important factor in choosing your expatriate health insurance. You can also check whether your insurance covers teleconsultation abroad for mental health items. If covering the cost of alternative medicine and psychological consultations is important to you, we advise you to make an appointment with one of Santexpat.fr’s international health experts. This will enable you to find international health insurance solutions tailored to your needs and situation