Have you ever thought about how stressful it might be to leave your home country and start again somewhere new? Or wondered if there are ways to really cope with all the pressures and changes that come with relocating?

In this episode, I chat with Marijke Bruins, a South African-born psychologist now living and working in the Netherlands, about how to manage the stress of moving abroad. We dive into all the real-life challenges - like the shock of leaving behind your support system, language barriers, missing home, dealing with loneliness, and adapting to a new culture. Marijke shares her own experience of moving to Amsterdam and talks honestly about the emotional hurdles, from anxiety and adjustment issues to doubts and the importance of having a support network.

Talking to Marijke was truly eye-opening for me. Her mix of personal anecdotes and professional advice gave me a much better understanding of what it really takes to settle in a new country, both mentally and emotionally. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the idea or the reality of relocation, I think you’ll find Marijke’s advice helpful and reassuring, just as I did.

“No matter what the reasons or opportunities are, there will be times of difficulty and feelings of loss and trauma.” - Marijke Bruins

00:00 Introduction

03:45 Mental health care abroad

07:52 Navigating relocation stress

11:13:16 Younger vs older expats’ challenges

14:51 Struggling to settle in

20:14 Mixed emotions about leaving SA

24:38 Role of psychotherapy in relocating

27:34 Life abroad is expensive

29:59 Advice for moving overseas

31:47 Exploring Europe

33:38 Advice for anyone going through a tough time

Resources

• Connect with Marijke about dealing with the stress of relocating: https://www.marijkebruinspsychotherapy.com/

If you want to connect with us or share your own story, please contact us on:

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This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:

https://www.zapods.com