When you decide to relocate to another country, it is normal to feel a lot of different emotions at the same time. If you are moving from Hong Kong to the USA, for example, it is not unusual to feel exhausted and overwhelmed. You might even feel guilty and sad. On the other hand, you also feel excited and full of energy. At some point, you start wondering if feeling all those things is normal and slowly become stressed. Every relocation brings worries and people become so caught up in finishing all the tasks that need to be done before the move. When you need to prepare for an international relocation, that means that you are changing your life in great measure. But, don’t worry. There are ways to deal with mental challenges of moving internationally.
Why is moving abroad so challenging?
There are many reasons why people may feel so many emotions when moving abroad. First of all, some people don’t take changes well at all. It doesn’t matter if those changes are for the better, they don’t like going into something completely unfamiliar, changing their lives, and going through the process of adaptation. The second reason may be the fact that they are leaving their family behind. Moving to another country often means that you downsize the contact with some people to the minimum because it is impossible for you to talk if you are in different time zones, let alone see each other.
In addition to that, there are all the tasks you need to finish, pack, obtain all the necessary documentation and find the right moving company. Well, at least you can stop worrying about this last part because you can always contact a reliable and experienced moving company Hong Kong to help you with moving internationally. Nevertheless, if you also have a schedule and feel like time is slipping away, it is no wonder you may suffer a nervous breakdown. Luckily, there are ways to deal with these situations, and one of the first steps is to recognize the symptoms of the stress and to prepare yourself for that you may feel exhausted and have a lot to go through. If you know the cause, you will know how to deal with mental challenges of moving internationally.
Acknowledge the symptoms
While you are preparing for your relocation and in the middle of packing your bulky items and other belongings, you may start feeling extremely exhausted all of a sudden. Most people get scared which worsens their stress symptoms. The first step is to acknowledge them. They are usually classified into groups:
- Emotional symptoms of stress,
- Behavioral symptoms of depression,
- Physical symptoms of stress,
- Cognitive symptoms of stress.
Emotional stress when moving internationally
Emotional stress isn’t something that should be taken lightly. Even though it starts slowly and you don’t pay a lot of attention, it can become serious very quickly. We have already mentioned some of the reasons for feeling that way, such as exhaustion, a tight schedule, and leaving loved ones behind. But when you are moving internationally, these symptoms are even worse because you are quickly aware of the fact that there’s no going back and you are afraid. One of the first symptoms is feeling grumpy. Also, you can be quick to get angry and lose your temper.
Symptoms of depression
Even though it sounds unbelievable, but it is possible to feel depressed during the relocation, and especially after. It may seem scary, but it is possible to get over relocation depression. In fact, you can even prevent it. Stress easily turns into feeling depressed. But, if you know that a sudden desire to eat, sleep, or drink more than usual, while avoiding all of the other obligations, is a sign of depression, you can undertake some steps to stop it.
Physical symptoms of stress
If you don’t deal with stress properly, it might appear as a physiological issue that is hazardous to your health. Those problems are usually manifested in form of terrible aches, especially chest pain and headaches. You can also tremble uncontrollably, lose weight, vomit very often, etc. That is why it is important to understand how to deal with mental challenges of moving internationally.
Cognitive symptoms
Cognitive symptoms of moving internationally related stress are connected to memory problems. You may find it difficult to remember new information, or you can keep forgetting some important details about your life. Also, you can be disoriented and start dealing with insomnia. If you know how to avoid the most stressful moving situations, you will see that many of these problems can be easily solved. You just have to take it step by step.
What are the ways to deal with mental challenges of moving internationally?
One of the best ways to face mental challenges of moving internationally is to be well-organized. Good preparation is half the job done and you will feel more relaxed if you know that you have everything covered. Apart from hiring a moving service Hong Kong, you will have to do many other things.
You need to find a place to move and do the research. Then, prepare all the necessary documents. You will need to apply for a visa, first and foremost. But, there are other international moving documents and paperwork you need to obtain. Make sure to do it on time. When you start preparing documents and applying for a visa, you won’t have time to feel the relocation blues in great measure, so this is one of the ways to cope with the challenges of international relocation. Also, when you check the most important point on your moving list, you will feel more relaxed.
Find time for the most important people
One of the reasons why moving internationally is so challenging is the fact that you will leave many important people behind, sometimes even the members of your closest family. So, it is no wonder that you start feeling sad and grieving. In the middle of the preparation, you also don’t have time to see them around anymore, so you feel helpless and hopeless. It doesn’t have to be that way. With good organization, as we have already said, you can manage a lot. For example, catch up with your best friend while you are running errands. Or, ask your sister to help you buy packing materials. Check with your cousins and see if they are available and come help you pack. These are all small moments but they are important because you will be able to spend time with the ones you love while preparing for your move.
Research the place you are moving to
One of the most important things when moving is to get familiar with the country and the city you are moving to. That way you won’t get the feeling that you are going into something that is completely unknown and your anxiety won’t hit. It is crucial to know the main facts about your future place of residence, such as the living costs, job opportunities, best schools if you are moving with your family, etc. Better yet, get familiar with the very neighborhood you have chosen. You will be more relaxed and at peace when you know what to expect and how to deal with the possible obstacles that may come your way.
Don’t neglect your feelings in order to deal with mental challenges of moving internationally
You are aware of the fact that international relocation is something that many people would like to experience in their lifetime. For that reason, you may start feeling guilty because you don’t enjoy every moment of it. Well, your feelings are valid and you shouldn’t neglect them. Yes, it is a great opportunity.
But, also, the truth is that it is one of the greatest changes in your life and that it takes time to accept, no matter how good it may be. There is no need to feel guilty because you’re dealing with the change the way you do. You must accept the fact that is normal and it will pass. It is okay to even be a little selfish and not think about others for a while, but process your feelings. Only when you can rationalize your emotions, you will know how to fight the negative ones.
Be extremely patient
Getting used to every change takes time. Don’t rush things out. Normally, you can’t feel at home as soon as you get to a new place, let alone when you are just preparing for your international relocation. It is important to be patient and to get to know every aspect of your future life. Even after you move to another country, you shouldn’t expect to feel at ease right away.
Even when you are prepared well, it is normal to miss your old home and want to get back. It doesn’t even take weeks to get used to the new situation, but months. All you need to have in mind is that it will pass. Just remember any other difficult situation in your life and how you managed to endure it and get used to it. Also, think of all the benefits you have in your new country and city.
Spend time making friends and going sightseeing
Before you relocate to a new country, research the most famous attractions and landmarks. Feel free to behave like a tourist during the first days. That way you won’t be thinking about your old home all the time. More importantly, through its best places, you will learn to love the new country sooner. If you surround yourself with beautiful things, your thoughts will be more beautiful too.
Also, prepare to meet new people. If you need to deal with mental challenges of moving internationally, that means you will deal with the guilt when it comes to new people. It is nothing unusual that people feel like they are betraying their old friends if they find new ones. That’s a mistake that will make you feel even more stressed and overwhelmed. Join online groups and discussions even before you move. That way you will have someone to show you around as soon as you get it. That will make the process of adaptation easier.
How can moving services help you with the mental challenges of moving internationally?
First of all, if you find a reliable company, you won’t have to worry about moving scams or any kind of organization. You can even hire packing services Hong Kong and they will prepare all of your belongings in no time. When you feel relaxed when it comes to the moving logistics, the chances to have a nervous breakdown or start feeling depressed are smaller. So, the best thing you can do to avoid moving stress is to make a deal with a reputable moving company.
Using storage is a great idea
Another great way to avoid at least some mental challenges when moving internationally is to use storage solutions. Experienced moving companies have long-term storage units Hong Kong that can keep your belongings safe even if you won’t be visiting them for months, maybe even years. At least worrying about your items won’t be on your list when moving internationally.
Dealing with mental challenges of moving internationally is not impossible
As you can see, you will probably have to deal with mental challenges of moving internationally in great measure. However, if you take some steps to avoid it, or at least acknowledge your feelings, you will successfully overcome that phase. You’ll enjoy living in the new country.
