Mental health while studying abroad

Mental health is first ALL the time. When you’re in a new environment your nerves start to wreck! You don’t feel enough, you don’t feel safe at times, stress is real… all types of mental struggles come to it. Also if there are economic issues, more uncertainty starts to overwhelm us. Every time that I was homesick, I tried to see videos of my house, listen to music that made me feel home, basically pretend that such place was my real house. I was 20 years old the first time I traveled alone without my parents. Of course I was usually under stress due to having classes in 2 universities (home university and in Korea). I always tried to breathe deeply, meditate, go for walks everyday. In my case, I was always positive about all the outcomes, wether it was positive or negative. Because I was living the experience, studying where I wanted, I was in a great university. I was always thankful about the opportunity. I didn’t have days of extreme sadness, rather I was so happy to be able to study in another country! It can be lonely, yes, but you decide how you feel about it! Being alone isn’t bad when you know what to do and what you want. But for others it may be a bigger struggle. It is all about the perspective and backgrounds! All feelings are a 100% valid.

Everytime you feel down, unworthy and discouraged. Stop and re-think… “is this situation worth my feelings?” “If I’m not okay with this… how can I change it?” “Is it possible to…” “what can I do to…” “what am I doing right now?”. ANY positive thoughts and solutions will pop up when you stop the negativity and try to think of what can you do about it. Love yourself and put yourself first. If school overwhelms you, try to evaluate your study plan, approach to your teachers, classmates or any person who can help so you can study better. If it is work, approach to your boss and explain your concerns. If you travel for studying, there are specific departments where they hold you during the whole academic process! Research and do more! 

REMEMBER, everything can be what you want it to be. Life is how you see it, what you do and say will define your future at times. When frustration comes, stop and evaluate all the possibilities and what action you can take. 

NOTE: This is for some occurrences. If you have any other mental health concerns, please seek for professional health through your education program, government or hometown!

Mental health matters, we all matter.