Expatriate lifestyles vary hugely from the comfort of the corporate life in a mega city to the rigours of aid work in difficult and unstable environments. They offer great rewards but also have their major challenges. Isolation from loved ones, stressful working and living conditions, traumatic events, frequent transitions and, for many, the shock of returning home. Children and young people growing up in expat families (known as Third Culture Kids) also have to deal with questions around belonging and repeated loss of homes and relationships.

Anyone working or living in such situations can reach a point where they feel overwhelmed, isolated and unable to cope. This might show up as a lack of motivation, angry reactions, a sense of hopelessness and confusion, or relationship and other difficulties. Often we have the resources to deal with these challenges but sometimes we don’t. This can result in anxiety, depression, trauma and burnout.

If you feel that you would like to get a clearer understanding of your situation and find a better way of coping or resolving your difficulties, then talking confidentially to a counsellor might be the way forward.

Are you an expat, an aid worker, a third culture kid/adult?

Are you feeling anxious, low, isolated, overwhelmed?

Would you like some support but can’t find a counsellor locally?

Maybe online video counselling is the answer.