"Scroll through social media and you'll see the glossy side of expat life: cocktails at sunset in Bali, kids running along cobblestoned streets in Lisbon, remote workers typing on laptops beside turquoise waters in Mexico. It's the dream so many chase - freedom, adventure, and a new life abroad. But beneath the curated posts lies a reality few talk about: expats face disproportionately high rates of anxiety, depression, burnout, and isolation. In fact, several studies show expats are more likely to report mental health struggles compared to their peers at home."
"Adapting to new foods, customs, and languages can be exciting at first - but over time, the novelty fades, and small frustrations pile up. What once felt charming ("they do it differently here!") can feel exhausting ("why can't anything just work the way I'm used to?"). Even in globally popular destinations like Portugal, Mexico, or Thailand, not speaking the local language deeply affects daily life. Struggling to communicate at the doctor's office, read bills, or build friendships can leave expats feeling powerless and isolated."
Expat populations report disproportionately high rates of anxiety, depression, burnout, and isolation. Social media portrayals of glamorous expat life mask persistent stressors. Chronic culture shock accumulates as novelty fades and daily frustrations mount. Language barriers impair access to healthcare, bills, and social connection, fostering isolation. Visa and residency uncertainty causes ongoing insecurity about long-term living arrangements. Rising local costs, housing shortages, inflation, and currency fluctuations create financial anxiety. Individuals often report powerlessness when navigating systems and loneliness when social networks are limited. Awareness and open discussion of expat mental health have increased in 2025.
Read at Wander With Jo
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