Adapting to your New Environment
Major life changes - even positive ones - always involve stress. Even when you think of some of the stressful times in an average person's life - moving to a new community, changing careers,
separating from loved ones - moving overseas is the equivalent of facing several of these changes at once, while surrounded by an unfamiliar language and culture and lacking the support
systems you relied on at home.
It is only natural for us to react to this kind of upheaval with a temporary case of what we refer to as TRANSITIONAL SHOCK
???????HOW CAN I COPE??????
1. Build a support network and make new friends (spending as much time with other experienced expats can be helpful in this transition period).
2. Be proactive - seeking information/resources; learning about your new environment will help you feel more comfortable and confident.
3. Integrate into your community at your own level of comfort.
4. Create a comfortable home base - your living quarters is your safe haven.
5. Get sufficient rest and maintain a well balanced diet.
6. Be patient with yourself and acknowledge how you feel. Keep in mind that each family member may react differently to the move. Encourage each family member to talk about their feelings and problems and to support each other. Expressing themselves in letters, e-mails, diary can also be helpful).
7. Have faith in yourself and the people of the new culture.
8. Be culturally sensitive - become aware of cultural difference as well as the specific difference between your own culture and that of your host country.
9. View challenges as new OPPORTUNITIES.
10. Find meaningful and enjoyable activities - engage in new hobbies, volunteer work, join local clubs or organizations or explore sights in the city.
11. Practice stress-reducing techniques that work for you i.e. listening to music, yoga, walking or meditation.
12. Don't be Afraid to ASK FOR HELP!!!
Recommended Books: The Expert Expatriate (Your guide to successful Relocation Abroad) or Culture Shock (A Wife's guide and A Parent's Guide).
These tips have been contributed by Jackie Ashby, LMSW.
Licensed Master's Social Worker.
Jackie Ashby is an American licensed therapist with a Master’s Degree in Social Work and over 15 years of experience. Prior to moving to Jakarta Jackie maintained a private practice in Norway.
She worked specifically with individuals with depression, anxiety disorders, and other life stressors. She is also trained in Cognitive Therapy.
Jackie is available for Professional Counseling Services and her areas of specialty include:
Cultural adjustment – issues of living abroad.
Depression and anxiety disorders
Stress management
Self-esteem and assertiveness skills training
Grief and loss
For further information contact 789-1047 or 0811-143578.
