No one wants to imagine what might go wrong during relocation. It should be a happy time, full of hopes and accomplishing dreams. However, it is possible that some aspects won’t go as smoothly as you want them to. One of the biggest issues that you cannot control fully is your health.
There are numerous risks to your health when moving overseas. As this article explains, you might begin to experience common illnesses, mental health issues, physical injuries, and even stress. All of these things can be experienced in everyday life, but they seem a little bit worse in an unknown environment.
Common Illnesses
Moving to a new country means you might encounter different diseases and illnesses that are rare or completely unheard of back in the home country. However, you are much more likely to catch a common cold or similar disease, especially within the first few months of arriving. Your body will need to adjust to the new environment, the time difference, and everything else that comes with relocating.
As your immune system will need to catch up, you should prepare by researching the common diseases and any outbreaks in your new country. Certain countries will experience different seasons; for example, while the US is in summer, Australia and New Zealand will be experiencing winter. This can be a shock to the system if you are unprepared.
There are things you can do to boost your health prior to moving. You should know your medical history ahead of time; this will ensure you are aware of any illnesses you are vulnerable to, any medications you are allergic to, and so on. A complete physical examination from your general practitioner will alert you of any concerns and can give you a copy of your medical records.
Your medical records might also be required when you select your health insurance ahead of departure. Many global health plan providers need to review applications and pre-existing condition you have listed. A good-quality health insurance will protect you if you encounter anything more serious than a common cold or illness after your move.
Mental Health Issues
With so many people experiencing problems with their mental health at the moment, it’s no surprise that something like culture shock can play a part when relocating. Being in a completely new country, surrounded by a different culture, unfamiliar customs, and a foreign language, it’s a lot to deal with at once. This can lead to feelings of isolation.
These feelings of isolation can worsen the post-relocation depression that several expats are known to suffer from. In fact, people who move abroad “are at double the risk of mental health conditions” compared to those who never move overseas, as reported by Expat Child. This might come as a shock when many people post about their lives online, but these people are only sharing the best snippets of their time.
Expats usually imagine moving abroad will offer them a better life, but the struggles of adjusting to a new country are thwart these dreams. Homesickness is one of the most common causes for this. Not being able to talk to friends and family as freely can cause difficulties, especially when they do not understand how tough it can be choosing to leave everything you know behind. Sometimes, this can even evolve into something known as expat guilt.
Physical Injuries
Although people can be injured anywhere, there is an increased risk of physical injury when moving abroad. Moving is a difficult task, and many injuries can happen as a result of lifting heavy boxes, such as back pain, cuts, dislocated joints, fractures, muscle strains, and scrapes. These injuries coupled with the fact you’re in a new environment can cause a lot of uncertainty, so it is encouraged to be careful during this time.
There are numerous other risks to your physical health and safety when you are relocating overseas. One of the leading causes for injuries abroad is road traffic accidents. Unfamiliar roads, traffic laws, and driving practices can make driving a car challenging. When drivers are used to driving on one side of the road, for example, it can be a tough transition. Many American drivers will struggle to drive on the left-side of the road if they move to the UK or vice versa.
Other physical injury risks can occur due to slips and trips
Stress
Stress is often the result of relocation, no matter how much preparation goes into the move. This can take its toll on an individual’s mental and physical health. Along with the change of environment, this can impact your immune system and cause you to be more susceptible to sickness bugs and other common illnesses, as previously mentioned.
Expats can experience a variety of physical and emotional symptoms during relocation. Although stress is known to cause irritability and moodiness, it can contribute towards anxiety and depression, which can only worsen an individual’s mental health. This, along with the physical symptoms of aches, fatigue, stomach issues, can develop and cause changes in behavior. All of a sudden, activities you once enjoyed might lose their interest, too.
To reduce these issues from becoming long-term, you must prioritize your well-being to adjust to your new home. Reaching a place of acceptance is possible over time, and you will adapt to your new life eventually.
It can be difficult to think you will overcome these issues, but it is entirely possible. You mustn’t let common illnesses, mental health issues, physical injuries, and stress stop you from enjoying your new life in a new country.
