#24: Navigating Burnout as a Foreigner: The Hidden Challenges of Relocating and Integrating into a New Country

As a foreigner living in a country other than my own and as a Psychotherapist who works with foreigners and expats, I have begun to see themes in how this community is more susceptible and at risk of work stress and burnout. In this blog, I will share some of my reflections and experiences on this topic to help bring attention to this community experience.

When we consider the many experiences of a foreigner relocating to a new country solo or with their family—whether it’s for a new relationship, a job, or simply a desire for a change of environment—we can’t underestimate the perpetuating factors, time and energy it takes to integrate. When we are exposed to a new environment, especially one that may have a different language and unfamiliar terrain. Adjusting to daily life requires hypervigilance, tenacity and grit to find a way to get your basic needs met. This may look like finding ways to access resources like pharmacies, local doctors, affordable fresh produce, second-hand markets, office supplies etc. This orientation process alone takes time, but on top of that it is reorientating emotionally to begin the process of building relationships.

In forming relationships in groups and community dynamics, we go through a formation process of norming, forming, storming, and performing. Alongside this process, we can create meaningful and secure bonds, and intimacy through shared vulnerability, time and energy. As an expat and a psychotherapist, I know that building relationships is crucial to surviving and thriving in a new community and country. The more time we dedicate to these areas, the more grounded, resourced and secure we feel. However, maintaining the awareness that these factors are ‘necessary’ for integration, it is important to take time to orientate and rest, reducing the risk of burnout. When we think about the process of integrating into a new country, alongside this same process into a workplace (which has its own culture and team dynamics) it is no wonder many expats take stress-related leave.

I see many people start with high motivation, enthusiasm and energy, but they continue to invest in their surroundings and relationships (which is a form of a survival response). The effort required can lead to exhaustion or even burnout. For workplaces, organisations, community groups and even families who have foreigners integrating into their space (particularly if the person does not speak the native language). It is important for you to be aware of the environmental, social and emotional pressures foreigners in a new country are exposed to.

Some common experiences I see in the therapy room; are feelings of social isolation from lack of community connection or not speaking the local language, overwhelm and depletion in young families, grief and loss of family connection, persistent exertions of energy without spaces to rest and restore.

When people experience burnout or chronic work stress, they’re often surprised when they take a step back and see the bigger picture. Gaining perspective of the full extent of what they’ve been managing leading up to the present moment can be both confronting and awakening. Reflecting on the energy they’ve invested in adapting to both the many new roles, and environmental factors, can help make sense of their depletion. This recognition can be the first step to understanding and addressing the root causes of burnout. Creating an opportunity to establish a new relationship to self and return to one’s inner desire and purpose in life.

Our next blog will also be on this topic, with more information on the therapeutic experience and the perpetuation factors that influence burnout.