“I am going to study abroad!” is a phrase every foreign student has uttered with excitement when admitted to a university abroad. Family, friends and sometimes even the community rejoice for that person. Eventually, as departure approaches, it’s time to Google “what life’s like abroad” or watch YouTube videos of people who have moved to the same country. Of course, it makes perfect sense: preparing for a new place to live is only natural.
Exciting as it seems, no one ever mentions the “downhill” part of moving abroad. What a bittersweet situation moving to a completely different place means, from a different culture to the food eaten and the way it is prepared. What’s more, it is a solitary journey, leaving all loved ones behind. Only once settled in the new country does reality strike hard. The onset of homesickness varies from person to person, but it is only a matter of time. For some, it can escalate to depression, leading not only to emotional struggle but also to mental breakdown. Alas, the outbreak is never visible. Depression becomes obvious once it has reached a deeper level, by which time it is too late. Why too late? Often it becomes difficult for the person involved to help themselves.
Some may think being depressed while studying abroad is incongruous because of the perception of disappointing all the people who supported them to reach their current position. As a result, silence prevails while the person tries to put on a brave front despite falling apart. The first step in coping with depression is to admit feeling unwell, and only then is it easy to accept outside help. Take full advantage of the psychologist consultations available at universities. If consulting a psychologist is uncomfortable, start a journal in which your feelings and emotions are captured. Even if the tendency to remain alone is imminent, try to surround yourself with a comfortable circle of friends. Keep in touch with family members as much as possible.
Dealing with depression is never easy, so take it one step at a time and it eventually gets better.
Nonhlanhla Motloung
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