The importance of supporting the mental health of expatriates

We all live within various systems that, throughout our lives, shape who we are and how we behave. These systems encompass the verbal community around us, its customs, language, the physical context with its characteristics (political, religious, cultural organization, etc.), infrastructure, and even the climate, all of which influence the environment where we feel comfortable. Additionally, we form a social circle that provides support, contributing significantly to our well-being and sense of belonging.

Relocating is already one of the most stressful events in a person’s life, and when the move is international, it can have an even more significant impact on the pillars of our lives, disrupting the systems that help us navigate our environment satisfactorily.

In this article, we will explore some of the challenges faced during expatriation, as well as strategies to facilitate a smooth adjustment to the new environment.

The business world has undergone profound changes in recent decades. In the era of globalization, employees must increasingly adapt to different cultures (Caligiuri, 2013). Expatriation has seen a dramatic increase (Brookfield, 2015), sparking psychology’s interest in understanding the potential challenges people face when working abroad and adjusting to a new environment.

Expatriation, or international relocation, presents numerous psychological challenges that should not be underestimated. Culture shock, separation from family and support systems, adaptation to new rules and values, and the need to establish a new sense of belonging can lead to high levels of stress, anxiety, and feelings of isolation. These factors can, in turn, result in issues such as poor adjustment to the host country (Harari, Reaves, Beane, Laginess, & Viswesvaran, 2018), reduced work performance (Kawai & Strange, 2014), difficulties in dealing with culture shock (Okpara, 2016), or a negative impact on overall well-being (Kempen et al., 2015).

It’s important to note that each individual’s experience is unique and influenced by factors such as personality, learning experiences, support networks, and the specific context of the expatriation.

In the face of these significant changes, if the imbalance between the «pleasurable» aspects we leave behind and the «unpleasant» aspects that emerge in the new destination is too significant, we may begin to feel worse and tend to avoid seeking stimuli that would enable us to adapt and enjoy our new home.

There are countless «reinforcers» that we lose when leaving, such as physical closeness to loved ones, the comfort provided by familiar customs (food, rules, habits, and social interactions like «going out for a drink» after work), sports or hobbies, cultural activities in your language, assistance during administrative procedures, and friendships that deteriorate, among others. On the other hand, there are many factors that can create «friction» when engaging in activities, making it difficult to leave the house and leading us to avoid certain situations. These factors include the loss of references such as currency value, knowledge of prices and products we typically purchase, complete unfamiliarity with local places or available activities, language barriers, and more.

Faced with the loss of reinforcers and the increase in friction or «unpleasant aspects,» avoidance behaviors may emerge, leading to inactivity, spending more time at home, and reminiscing about how «good things were before» and how uncomfortable we feel in the new place.

However, these avoidance patterns only perpetuate sadness or frustration, without helping us «balance» the pleasurable and unpleasant aspects of relocation. All of this can lead to a negative perception of everything related to the host culture, generating an almost automatic rejection of the place, the new job, customs, and life in general.

Therefore, we must consciously make an effort to stay active and create a new «catalog of reinforcers» that allows us to maintain a positive state of mind, develop a sense of belonging, and truly feel at home in our new environment.

To achieve this, it is advisable to plan visits to the new city and its surroundings, try out local restaurants, activities, and stores that can become our new references, explore pleasant outdoor places, and become familiar with the areas near work and home. Having social support, whether from a local person or someone who deeply understands the culture, can be very helpful. Learning about customs, phrases, or basic words for daily interactions is an excellent way to bridge the gap with the new place and gradually feel more comfortable.

The expatriation experience is a challenging journey that significantly impacts one’s mental health and emotional well-being. As we venture into new places and cultures, we embark on an emotional journey that takes us through various stages, from anticipation to adaptation, and ultimately, the search for a new sense of belonging.

In the midst of uncertainty and change, it’s essential to remember that emotional growth and adaptation are individual processes. There’s no one-size-fits-all recipe for expatriation success, but with a combination of flexibility, continuous learning, and both personal and professional support, it’s possible to find a new sense of home and balance in a foreign environment.

If you’re in the process of expatriating, remember that you’re not alone on this journey. Whether it’s a quest for new adventures, career opportunities, or a life change, there are tools and resources available to support you every step of the way. Adaptation is a gradual process, and with patience and a support network, you can find your place in this new reality.

Alejandro Sancha is a General Health Psychologist and Clinical Neuropsychologist. He also has a postgraduate degree in child and adolescent psychology. He has experience with various psychological problems (anxiety, mood disorders, stress, ADHD, rehabilitation in acquired brain injury, among others) and works from an evidence-based perspective. His passion for understanding human behavior led him to dedicate himself to the clinic, being very important for him that his clients feel comfortable from the beginning, understanding how their discomfort originates and how it is maintained today, in order to generate the necessary tools that allow them to achieve the greatest possible well-being in their lives.