ADJUSTMENT-RELATED CONCERNS
Adjusting to new environments is something all of us must do throughout our lives. However, adjusting to different cultures or countries might especially be difficult to foreigners, immigrants, or expats who moved to Korea. If you are experiencing culture shock or homesickness, this often makes it even more difficult and lonely when trying to call a new, different country your home. If you are an immigrant returning to Korea from studying abroad or trying to re-locate, you might experience acculturative stress. With the help of a therapist, you can alleviate distress stemming from adjusting to a new culture/environment and learn your own ways of fitting in.
Therapy can especially be helpful for those with a history of mental health concerns, such as anxiety and/or depression. Also, if you have been experiencing culture shock/homesickness/acculturative stress for a while without seeing much improvement over time, therapy can be the perfect place to work it out.
Signs/Symptoms of Adjustment-Related Concerns
Being worried about fitting in
Withdrawing socially and avoiding engagement in the host culture
Feeling frustrated with language or communication difficulties
Feeling irritated at cultural differences (e.g., food, punctuality, ‘nunchi’)
Somatic symptoms (e.g., headaches, stomachaches, fatigue)
How We Can Help
Help increase coping strategies/skills to cope with adjustment-related concerns, including building a supportive social network, maintaining healthy routines, and staying connected to home in balanced ways.
Collaborate with psychiatrist to reduce clinical symptoms, such as moderately depressed or anxious mood.