Expat depression: 7 tips for how to cope

Some expats lack the proper coverage for mental health care abroad. Some locations may simply lack access to mental health professionals. And even if you end up in a place where counselling is available, it’s usually only available in a different language or culture.

But regardless of how great or how rough your situation is abroad, there are other steps you can take to help prevent and cope with expat depression.

Get enough sleep, at least 8-9 hours per night, because staying well-rested can help give you the energy you need to keep the blues at bay
Get out and exercise. Exercising can help you regulate your own experience in a new environment and can help you regain the feeling of being in control of your own life.
Keep alcohol intake in check.
Join groups to connect with other exptas or locals. Join a sports club, find a new hobby, or if you have kids, get engaged in club for them – all of which can be mechanisms to help you connect with other people and help pull you out of the doldrums.
Don’t overdo it on social media because spending too much time scrolling through your Facebook means less time making real-life connections in your new country.
Let people know what they can do to help you.
Seek professional help. Note: Expats who sign up for any level of Cigna Global International Health Insurance gain access to coverage for mental health treatment – and on the Platinum level, mental health care is paid in full. That means you have one less thing to have to worry about when struggling with depression - after all, no expat is an island, even if you might live on one.

Source: The Local