Living In The Netherlands Is Better Than Living Abroad

Moving to the Netherlands, a new country, a new culture, and a new way of life await you. What could be better than that? The other side of the coin is that integrating anything new can be incredibly difficult. When an individual is confronted with the unexpected, unknown, or unprepared, worry, anxiety and a variety of other sensations and ideas lurk beneath the surface.

Consider the following expatriate experiences:

• Excitement at the prospect of becoming an expat.
• There’s a lot of pressure to be grateful for the opportunity.
• The expectation of happiness as a result of new, better? circumstances.
• The pressure of always being grateful for good fortune.

When you factor in other people’s opinions, you can easily push an expat over the brink. It’s actually difficult to spot expat depression. Internationals are often hesitant to confess they are in grief or depressed and they may be unaware of it too. 

So, why waste the flourishing journey ahead of you by denying the facts? Cope up with the grief and prevent depression by following these useful tips. 

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What Can Expatriates in the Netherlands Do to Avoid Depression?

Building a strong social support system is the strongest foundation for mental health. People can get dissatisfied if they don’t feel like they belong. Of course, breaking into established Dutch social groups is famously tough. Fortunately, the Dutch aren’t your only choice.

For internationals residing in the Netherlands, there are numerous opportunities. Holland is a very international place, and there are a lot of opportunities with different types of people. Consider reaching out to expat social media pages, interacting with people on social media, or searching meetup groups for activities that you might be interested in to expand your social circle.

The Primary Step—Manage Relocation Stress 

Pressure causes stress, which is a natural reaction. As an international, you will undoubtedly face pressure from a variety of sources.

Your partner or family may put pressure on you as they try to settle into your new house. You may be under pressure at work, and your boss may want speedy results. This may be exacerbated by the challenge of adjusting to life in a different country, where you may be expected to act differently.

Some stress is beneficial since it encourages us to perform well. Too much stress may be harmful to our health and well-being, therefore it’s critical to keep track of and manage stress levels, especially at the start of a new assignment. Do what is the basic priority and leave some things.

Read about: How to recognize your Teen’s Depression?

Follow A Proper Sleep Routine

This is sound counsel for anyone, regardless of their location. A good night’s sleep is vital for mental and physical well-being. When life gets tough in a foreign country, you need to be in top shape, which involves getting enough sleep.

Sleep deprivation or excess sleep are two factors that might contribute to depression. You should have around 8 hours of decent sleep per night, not much more. Taking naps during the day isn’t a bad idea as long as they don’t last more than an hour. To keep energized during daylight hours, plan activities in the mornings, take vitamins, and consume healthy foods.

Indulge Yourself in Regular Exercise 

Numerous studies have verified the beneficial effects of exercise on all types of depression. Cardiovascular exercise, such as walking, jogging, or taking an exercise class, will get your heart pounding. If all of these sounds like too much stretching, Pilates or yoga are low-impact options that can help a healthy body and mind.

Because of the endorphin surge you get from working out, exercise has been shown to help with a variety of mental diseases. Sometimes, when you get depressed, you stop being active. So, don’t let this get in the way of your healthy activities.

Build Links to Create a Support System

Making new acquaintances is crucial for expats living in Holland. It is simpler to acclimatize to expat life when you have a network of friends. You’ll have pals not only to answer questions and assist you with your journey but also to lean on emotionally.

Be Active on Social Media But Not Too Active

There is a time and a place for social media. It can assist internationals in maintaining relationships with friends and family living in other countries. In addition to being a positive trigger, social media may have a downside. Expats often feel compelled to share their new lifestyles on social media. On social media, there are many reminders of home. In bad times, they can give pressure and anxiety when living abroad.

Less Alcohol More Happiness

Since we get so relaxed living outside of our hometown, it’s all too simple to fall into the trap of ingesting more alcohol than usual. Because alcohol is a sedative-hypnotic drug compound, it may exacerbate sleep, anxiety, and depression symptoms after longer use.

It All Boils Down to Getting the Right Professional Help in the Netherlands 

Most people have no qualms about visiting a doctor if they are experiencing bodily discomfort. It’s just a different region of your body that hurts when you’re depressed, but many individuals who are depressed don’t seek the help they need to successfully manage how they’re feeling.

International Mental Care is an expert mental health center in the Netherlands that has helped hundreds of expats fight depression. It’s a clinic with a twist: IMC focuses on treating the unique person rather than the disease. Our mental health clinic specializes in expats and Dutch clientele is dedicated to offering the best therapy for long-term outcomes.

Is It True That Relocating to the Netherlands Changes You?

Relocating to another country entails much more than simply changing your address. Starting over in a new country is a great approach to discover your actual honest self. It’s also a fun way to figure out what you need in life, and want to achieve by “trying on” different hats to discover what fits you best as you go on this new adventure overseas.

Your Dutch expat adventure can encourage you to step outside of your comfort zone and try new things. The path can lead you to reinvent yourself as a blogger, community builder, remote worker, founder, social media marketer, author, designer, and much more through trial and error and numerous educational moments.

Will Relocating to Another Country Make Me Happy?

While the “good things” that come with relocating abroad include food, cost of living, and weather, relocation sadness can develop as you adjust to your new life. When moving overseas, support, community, practicing self-care, and having access to counseling services are all vital.

Other strategies that will influence your happiness when you relocate include being self-aware and having reasonable expectations. Knowing that life isn’t going to be flawless every day can help you be better prepared and resilient on days when things don’t go as planned.

Finding A Friendly Therapist and Counsellor in the Netherlands

Finding a therapist and counselor in a culture that is radically different from your home country may necessitate some investigation. If you have private healthcare insurance, one of the first things you can do is contact your insurance provider to discover what therapy alternatives are available to you. You can also ask expat social media groups for recommendations for therapists who speak your language and are located in your area.

Another professional option for dealing with expat bereavement and depression is group therapy. Remember that this may not be your native language and that your needs may differ from those of the other participants. Regardless, group therapy is an excellent opportunity to interact with others who share your experience.

At IMC, our mental health experts specialize in expatriate bereavement and depression. Connect with us today and get back on track!