We are here, too - on mental health abroad

Ever found yourself in a foreign land, feeling the weight of solitude pressing down on you? My journey through the highs and lows of living abroad brought me face to face with the challenges of cultural adjustments and finding a place of belonging. In our latest discussion, I share the realities of navigating loneliness and stress in a new country. With the aid of therapy and self-care, I've learned to combat these feelings and want to offer you the same sense of hope and connection I've found. Whether it's the emotional toll of personal safety or the impact of social media on our lives, this episode peels back the layers of what it truly takes to maintain bonds with loved ones and cultivate new ones. This conversation isn't just about sharing struggles; it's about equipping you with the tools to thrive amidst them. Grounding techniques, such as naming objects around you or holding something heavy, can be incredibly effective reminders that you're safe and present. You'll come away with practical strategies to ground yourself in the now, the importance of self-care, and how to open yourself up to the possibility of connection, wherever you may be. --------- We are here, too is a podcast about mental health and life abroad, hosted by Francesca Lo Verso, an Italian counsellor living in Scotland. We are here, too exists thanks to the support of friends, family and those of you whose testimony of life abroad inspired me. Thank you! Host and editor: Francesca Lo Verso www.francescacounselling.com IG: @francesca_counselling FB: francescaloversocounselling Email: info@francescacounselling.com Cover illustration: Candela Sánchez www.candelasanchezart.com IG: @delasre_draws Music: Su San TikTok: susanwithaspace Spotify: Su San

This episode was a long one coming, and I hope it invites you to extend curiosity to those experiences that are often at the edge of our life abroad. If you want to deepen some of the topics discussed in this episode, I would recommend: Hard truth 1: S3E2: People-pleasing abroad: maintaining identity amidst cultural adaptation Hard truth 2: S1E2: Unpacking culture shock and S1E12: Tapping into your power Hard truth 3: S1E8: Remember your why Let me know what you think of this episode! --------- We are here, too is a podcast about mental health and life abroad, hosted by Francesca Lo Verso, an Italian counsellor living in Scotland. We are here, too exists thanks to the support of friends, family and those of you whose testimony of life abroad inspired me. Thank you! Host and editor: Francesca Lo Verso www.francescacounselling.com IG: @francesca_counselling FB: francescaloversocounselling Email: info@francescacounselling.com Cover illustration: Candela Sánchez www.candelasanchezart.com IG: @delasre_draws Music: Su San TikTok: susanwithaspace Spotify: Su San

Have you ever pondered where you truly belong? This week, I invite you on a heartfelt exploration of 'home' and belonging as we unravel how our sense of place shapes our mental landscape. We will venture through Scottish (and Northern European) folklore, where personal tales of finding comfort in the unfamiliar intertwine with the collective experiences of those who've ventured far from their birthplaces. We delve into the notion that 'home' transcends mere geography, morphing into the relationships we cherish or the inner sanctuary we cultivate. This episode mentions: - the tale of the Seal-Woman (known as Selkie, here in Scotland) - the book "Women who run with the wolf" by Clarissa Pinkola Estés In this episode, we also draw parallels with the poignant folktale of the Selkie—a seal woman caught between two worlds. As we traverse her story, themes of societal expectation, identity, and the courage to reclaim one's intuitive self emerge, echoing many women's struggles. Selkie's tale becomes a powerful metaphor, not just for women but for anyone wrestling with the duality of where they are and where they feel they should be. So, come along and find companionship in our shared search for the places and spaces where we feel most at home. --------- We are here, too is a podcast about mental health and life abroad, hosted by Francesca Lo Verso, an Italian counsellor living in Scotland. We are here, too exists thanks to the support of friends, family and those of you whose testimony of life abroad inspired me. Thank you! Host and editor: Francesca Lo Verso www.francescacounselling.com IG: @francesca_counselling FB: francescaloversocounselling Email: info@francescacounselling.com Cover illustration: Candela Sánchez www.candelasanchezart.com IG: @delasre_draws Music: Su San TikTok: susanwithaspace Spotify: Su San

Edit: I've just realised I opened this episode saying, "In Season 4 Episode 1", when I actually meant "Season 1 Episode 4". -- Have you ever felt the weight of guilt gnawing at you physically while living miles away from home? This episode peels back the layers to reveal how guilt triggers neural networks, stirs muscle tension, disrupts our digestive and respiratory systems, and hijacks our emotional well-being. You'll discover the science behind these physical reactions and understand why your body might respond with fight, flight, freeze, or fawn strategies when guilt's grip tightens. If you want to read more about the somatics of guilt, you may find this scientific article interesting. Previous episode on guilt: S1E4: Why am I feeling this guilty? --------- We are here, too is a podcast about mental health and life abroad, hosted by Francesca Lo Verso, an Italian counsellor living in Scotland. We are here, too exists thanks to the support of friends, family and those of you whose testimony of life abroad inspired me. Thank you! Host and editor: Francesca Lo Verso www.francescacounselling.com IG: @francesca_counselling FB: francescaloversocounselling Email: info@francescacounselling.com Cover illustration: Candela Sánchez www.candelasanchezart.com IG: @delasre_draws Music: Su San TikTok: susanwithaspace Spotify: Su San

In today's episode, I talk about people pleasing when living abroad and how it may take on the role of integrating us into the new country. Transitioning to life in a new country comes with its own emotional rollercoaster, a journey that many of us know all too well. This episode addresses the fine line between adapting and losing oneself. With heartfelt stories and practical advice, today's episode is a message of hope for those balancing the desire to please with the courage to stand firm in one's own story. And for those interested in Gabor Maté's quote, it was taken from "The myth of normal": “Most people abandon their true selves (authenticity) to please others and keep the relationships (attachments), even if they are ones that are toxic and destructive.”" --------- We are here, too is a podcast about mental health and life abroad, hosted by Francesca Lo Verso, an Italian counsellor living in Scotland. We are here, too exists thanks to the support of friends, family and those of you whose testimony of life abroad inspired me. Thank you! Host and editor: Francesca Lo Verso www.francescacounselling.com IG: @francesca_counselling FB: francescaloversocounselling Email: info@francescacounselling.com Cover illustration: Candela Sánchez www.candelasanchezart.com IG: @delasre_draws Music: Su San TikTok: susanwithaspace Spotify: Su San

Emerging from a long hiatus, I, Francesca, return to the microphone with a tale that resonates deep within the heart of anyone who's ever found themselves rooted in foreign soil. This episode peels back the layers of identity shaped by the lands we call home and the internal tug-of-war between assimilation and authenticity. This conversation is a gentle nudge to embrace the richness of our heritage and the unique stories it weaves into our lives. It's about finding strength in our foreignness, allowing the cultural friction to propel us toward growth rather than erode our sense of self. Join me as we tenderly nurture our foreign identities and celebrate the diversity they bring to the tapestry of life. Two questions lie behind it all: how much of me am I willing to sacrifice to adapt? For how long am I going to hide the pain behind the quest for adaptation? If you want to hear more about this topic: S1E3: Lost and found, in search of self --------- We are here, too is a podcast about mental health and life abroad, hosted by Francesca Lo Verso, an Italian counsellor living in Scotland. We are here, too exists thanks to the support of friends, family and those of you whose testimony of life abroad inspired me. Thank you! Host and editor: Francesca Lo Verso www.francescacounselling.com IG: @francesca_counselling FB: francescaloversocounselling Email: info@francescacounselling.com Cover illustration: Candela Sánchez www.candelasanchezart.com IG: @delasre_draws Music: Su San TikTok: susanwithaspace Spotify: Su San

Let me take you on a journey, a journey that many of us have experienced, but few have recounted - the emotional rollercoaster of going back home to our host country after the holidays. The thrill of the unfamiliar, the pang of homesickness, and the inevitable culture shock - they're all part and parcel of living abroad. We're going to dig deep into these feelings, giving voice to what many of us have felt but struggled to express. But living abroad isn't just about the places we visit or the exotic foods we taste - it's about the relationships we forge. Connections that can provide comfort in difficult times, relationships that help us grow in ways we couldn't have imagined. We're diving into this facet too, discussing the power of relationships in making or breaking our experience. I am ending the season with a tantalising glimpse of what's to come - Spoiler Alert, it's going to be all about relationships. --------- We are here, too is a podcast about mental health and life abroad, hosted by Francesca Lo Verso, an Italian counsellor living in Scotland. We are here, too exists thanks to the support of friends, family and those of you whose testimony of life abroad inspired me. Thank you! Host and editor: Francesca Lo Verso www.francescacounselling.com IG: @francesca_counselling FB: francescaloversocounselling Email: info@francescacounselling.com Cover illustration: Candela Sánchez www.candelasanchezart.com IG: @delasre_draws Music: Su San TikTok: susanwithaspace Spotify: Su San

Ever find yourself longing for the comfort of familiar faces while stationed in a new country? Have you ever realized that the people in your host country now know more about your current life than those back home? Join me as I share my personal experiences of living abroad, discussing the nuanced dynamics of maintaining ties with home while fostering new relationships abroad. Balancing the expectations of visitors from home and honoring your own routines abroad can be a thorny issue. How do you help them understand the novelty of your life abroad might have worn off for you? How do you cope with major milestones celebrated away from home, with the emotional support coming from afar? We'll explore these intriguing contrasts, with a special focus on the mental health and emotional aspects of life abroad. I hope you enjoy this episode! --------- We are here, too is a podcast about mental health and life abroad, hosted by Francesca Lo Verso, an Italian counsellor living in Scotland. We are here, too exists thanks to the support of friends, family and those of you whose testimony of life abroad inspired me. Thank you! Host and editor: Francesca Lo Verso www.francescacounselling.com IG: @francesca_counselling FB: francescaloversocounselling Email: info@francescacounselling.com Cover illustration: Candela Sánchez www.candelasanchezart.com IG: @delasre_draws Music: Su San TikTok: susanwithaspace Spotify: Su San

Going on holidays to your home country or returning home after living abroad can feel like stepping into a parallel universe. As your host, Francesca, I reveal how I navigated my own journey through this disorienting maze in an episode dedicated to the fascinating subject of reverse culture shock. With the backdrop of an Italian native living in Scotland, I take you through my personal experiences of readjusting to life in a familiar place that somehow feels unfamiliar. Together, we'll explore the emotional turbulence, social challenges, and cultural puzzles that come with this complex experience. But rest assured, there's light at the end of this maze, and I share actionable tips on how to work through reverse culture shock in the least traumatic way possible. No, it's not about racing through, but rather taking it slow, and integrating habits and customs from your host culture into your newfound reality. We'll delve into how to manage the struggles and conundrums of reverse culture shock, underscoring the importance of understanding that each individual's experience and circumstances are unique. Have you lived abroad and now find yourself back home, feeling like a stranger? This episode is your guide to making the transition as smooth as possible. --------- We are here, too is a podcast about mental health and life abroad, hosted by Francesca Lo Verso, an Italian counsellor living in Scotland. We are here, too exists thanks to the support of friends, family and those of you whose testimony of life abroad inspired me. Thank you! Host and editor: Francesca Lo Verso www.francescacounselling.com IG: @francesca_counselling FB: francescaloversocounselling Email: info@francescacounselling.com Cover illustration: Candela Sánchez www.candelasanchezart.com IG: @delasre_draws Music: Su San TikTok: susanwithaspace Spotify: Su San

Ever sat alone in a foreign place during the holiday season, wrestling with the decision of whether to go home or not? You're not alone. Join me as I bare my soul and share my own rollercoaster of emotions - the initial fear, the white lie to protect my joy, the dread, and the eventual acceptance - that came with my decision to stay abroad during the holidays. In this personal journey, I unpack the feelings and tough conversations that followed my choice - conversations that tested the bonds of family traditions and expectations. But it's not all gloom. You'll hear how I've evolved from those moments, learning to communicate my truth with compassion, understanding my needs, and ultimately finding a sense of calm and ownership over my life. So plug in, let's traverse these emotional landscapes together, and perhaps, you may find your own path to peace, autonomy, and reconciliation, too. --------- We are here, too is a podcast about mental health and life abroad, hosted by Francesca Lo Verso, an Italian counsellor living in Scotland. We are here, too exists thanks to the support of friends, family and those of you whose testimony of life abroad inspired me. Thank you! Host and editor: Francesca Lo Verso www.francescacounselling.com IG: @francesca_counselling FB: francescaloversocounselling Email: info@francescacounselling.com Cover illustration: Candela Sánchez www.candelasanchezart.com IG: @delasre_draws Music: Su San TikTok: susanwithaspace Spotify: Su San

What if your feelings of homesickness could reveal deeper insights about your personal values and life stages? As I, your host Francesca, grappled with an overwhelming sense of homesickness on my recent trip to Sicily, I discovered just how multifaceted this emotion truly is. This episode takes you on my personal journey as I try to comprehend my longing for home, and how it reflects the shifts in my values and outlook on life. Tune in as I dissect the complicated facets of homesickness, stemming from my own experiences and intense feelings of missing home. This heartfelt episode promises an emotional rollercoaster, as we explore how homesickness is not just about missing a place, but also about recognizing the shifts in our personal values and life stages. Listen in, as we redefine homesickness, understand its cyclical nature, and discover ways to cope. --------- We are here, too is a podcast about mental health and life abroad, hosted by Francesca Lo Verso, an Italian counsellor living in Scotland. We are here, too exists thanks to the support of friends, family and those of you whose testimony of life abroad inspired me. Thank you! Host and editor: Francesca Lo Verso www.francescacounselling.com IG: @francesca_counselling FB: francescaloversocounselling Email: info@francescacounselling.com Cover illustration: Candela Sánchez www.candelasanchezart.com IG: @delasre_draws Music: Su San TikTok: susanwithaspace Spotify: Su San

Remember those golden holidays back home, surrounded by familiar faces, savouring traditional delicacies and getting immersed in the joyous festivities? These memories can stir up a mixed bag of emotions, especially for those of us living overseas. In this engaging discussion, we unpack those complex feelings of nostalgia, longing, and sometimes, shock and frustration, that bubble up during such holidays. As we walk down memory lane, we scrutinize the inevitable comparisons we make between our homeland and our adopted country - an oscillating sentiment that veers between idolizing the familiar and vilifying the old. The conversation doesn't stop there! We also address the tumultuous phase of reintegrating into our home culture and the disruption it causes to our identities. Experiences of feeling like a stranger in your homeland or grappling to fit into the mainstream culture in your adopted country can be daunting. Yet, they are crucial parts of embracing a new identity. Our discussion highlights how nostalgia can sometimes cloud our vision, and how crucial it is to stay connected, even if it's virtually, to keep ourselves grounded. Tune in to share the joys, the shocks, the realizations and the valuable lessons that come with spending holidays back home. --------- We are here, too is a podcast about mental health and life abroad, hosted by Francesca Lo Verso, an Italian counsellor living in Scotland. We are here, too exists thanks to the support of friends, family and those of you whose testimony of life abroad inspired me. Thank you! Host and editor: Francesca Lo Verso www.francescacounselling.com IG: @francesca_counselling FB: francescaloversocounselling Email: info@francescacounselling.com Cover illustration: Candela Sánchez www.candelasanchezart.com IG: @delasre_draws Music: Su San TikTok: susanwithaspace Spotify: Su San

Ever thought escaping to a holiday destination would leave your problems behind? Well, it may not always be the case. Join me as I uncover the importance of accountability and fostering trust in our ability to instigate positive change with an emphasis on self-care. I will talk about the physical toll of stress, the importance of breaks, and how to anchor ourselves in activities and people amidst the chaos. Drawing from our personal experiences, we shed light on the crucial lessons learnt from living abroad, empowering us to take charge and make radical changes in our lives. Tune in for an honest conversation about managing stress and finding relief while living abroad - a must listen for anyone grappling with similar issues or eager to understand more about the intricacies of living away from home. --------- We are here, too is a podcast about mental health and life abroad, hosted by Francesca Lo Verso, an Italian counsellor living in Scotland. We are here, too exists thanks to the support of friends, family and those of you whose testimony of life abroad inspired me. Thank you! Host and editor: Francesca Lo Verso www.francescacounselling.com IG: @francesca_counselling FB: francescaloversocounselling Email: info@francescacounselling.com Cover illustration: Candela Sánchez www.candelasanchezart.com IG: @delasre_draws Music: Su San TikTok: susanwithaspace Spotify: Su San

In this podcast episode, we delve into the intricacies of mental health when living abroad. Join me as we explore the often unspoken topic of holiday guilt experienced by those navigating life in a foreign land. Through first-hand stories and a fresh perspective, I share the complex emotions and unique challenges that arise when taking time off from your life abroad. Gain valuable insights and a deeper understanding of managing guilt during holiday breaks while understanding why guilt is there in the first place. --------- We are here, too is a podcast about mental health and life abroad, hosted by Francesca Lo Verso, an Italian counsellor living in Scotland. We are here, too exists thanks to the support of friends, family and those of you whose testimony of life abroad inspired me. Thank you! Host and editor: Francesca Lo Verso www.francescacounselling.com IG: @francesca_counselling FB: francescaloversocounselling Email: info@francescacounselling.com Cover illustration: Candela Sánchez www.candelasanchezart.com IG: @delasre_draws Music: Su San TikTok: susanwithaspace Spotify: Su San

We are opening Season 2 "The holiday experience" talking about needs. We delve into the world of travel, uncovering the unique needs that arise when going on holidays as a foreigner. From navigating relationship dynamics to managing emotional well-being, join me as we unravel the intimate connection between needs and boundaries. Gain insights and understanding on meeting your holiday needs while living abroad. Tune in to this insightful episode and embark on a journey of self-discovery. I also added a time stamp (09:56) for a guided exploration on tuning into your needs. I hope you enjoy it! --------- We are here, too is a podcast about mental health and life abroad, hosted by Francesca Lo Verso, an Italian counsellor living in Scotland. We are here, too exists thanks to the support of friends, family and those of you whose testimony of life abroad inspired me. Thank you! Host and editor: Francesca Lo Verso www.francescacounselling.com IG: @francesca_counselling FB: francescaloversocounselling Email: info@francescacounselling.com Cover illustration: Candela Sánchez www.candelasanchezart.com IG: @delasre_draws Music: Su San TikTok: susanwithaspace Spotify: Su San

In this week's episode, we will talk about tapping into our power when we live abroad by recognising our agency. What is agency? Agency is the capacity of all individuals to have the power and resources to fulfil their potential. So how does that play about when we move abroad? Listen to this episode to learn more. --------- We are here, too is a podcast about mental health and life abroad, hosted by Francesca Lo Verso, an Italian counsellor living in Scotland. We are here, too exists thanks to the support of friends, family and those of you whose testimony of life abroad inspired me. Thank you! Host and editor: Francesca Lo Verso www.francescacounselling.com IG: @francesca_counselling FB: francescaloversocounselling Email: info@francescacounselling.com Cover illustration: Candela Sánchez www.candelasanchezart.com IG: @delasre_draws Music: Su San TikTok: susanwithaspace Spotify: Su San

Friendships and intimate relationships when living abroad can feel like family. In this episode I talk about the complexity of relationships when they intersect with our life abroad. --------- We are here, too is a podcast about mental health and life abroad, hosted by Francesca Lo Verso, an Italian counsellor living in Scotland. We are here, too exists thanks to the support of friends, family and those of you whose testimony of life abroad inspired me. Thank you! Host and editor: Francesca Lo Verso www.francescacounselling.com IG: @francesca_counselling FB: francescaloversocounselling Email: info@francescacounselling.com Cover illustration: Candela Sánchez www.candelasanchezart.com IG: @delasre_draws Music: Su San TikTok: susanwithaspace Spotify: Su San

When I first set foot in Scotland, the newness of everything was overwhelming, especially the language. The accent, the slang, their way of expression put me in a state of constant exertion - to grasp, to comprehend and to respond. Navigating through these linguistic hurdles wasn't just draining, it was a mental battle that triggered self-doubt, stress, and anxiety. Join me, Francesca, your host, as we delve into how the struggle to communicate in a foreign language can greatly affect our mental well-being, and how it can sometimes leave us feeling disoriented, isolated and lost. Moving beyond the psychological impacts, we also delve into language as a cultural identifier. Imagine feeling estranged in your own culture because you can't express it in the language you're now asked to speak. We explore the intricate ties between language and cultural identity, the challenges of maintaining one's nationality through a foreign language, the risk of being discriminated against, and the struggle to belong. This episode is an invitation to reflect upon the significance of language in shaping our experiences, perceptions, and identities when living in a foreign land. Let's take this journey together and feel free to share your own experiences in the comments! --------- We are here, too is a podcast about mental health and life abroad, hosted by Francesca Lo Verso, an Italian counsellor living in Scotland. We are here, too exists thanks to the support of friends, family and those of you whose testimony of life abroad inspired me. Thank you! Host and editor: Francesca Lo Verso www.francescacounselling.com IG: @francesca_counselling FB: francescaloversocounselling Email: info@francescacounselling.com Cover illustration: Candela Sánchez www.candelasanchezart.com IG: @delasre_draws Music: Su San TikTok: susanwithaspace Spotify: Su San

Imagine packing your bags, leaving home, and settling in a foreign land. A thrilling adventure, isn't it? But what happens when the excitement fades and is replaced with a feeling of failure, disappointment and a crisis of identity? I'm your host Francesca, an Italian living in Scotland, and today, I'm opening up about my rollercoaster journey of self-discovery and mental health abroad in the past two decades. An adventure that's seen its fair share of ups and downs, and taught me critical life lessons about grounding myself in the face of adversity and finding my space in a new land. Failure is a tricky emotion, and it gets trickier when you're living thousands of miles away from home. In today's heartfelt conversation, I explore how deep-rooted feelings of failure are not necessarily a reflection of your abilities but often a result of complex factors like language barriers, cultural shock, and the lack of emotional support. Tune in as I share my personal strategies to cope with these emotions, and how I focus on my strengths to navigate through challenging times. I also invite you to share your own experiences and coping mechanisms. So, let's begin this journey together, because no matter where we are in the world, we're never truly alone. --------- We are here, too is a podcast about mental health and life abroad, hosted by Francesca Lo Verso, an Italian counsellor living in Scotland. We are here, too exists thanks to the support of friends, family and those of you whose testimony of life abroad inspired me. Thank you! Host and editor: Francesca Lo Verso www.francescacounselling.com IG: @francesca_counselling FB: francescaloversocounselling Email: info@francescacounselling.com Cover illustration: Candela Sánchez www.candelasanchezart.com IG: @delasre_draws Music: Su San TikTok: susanwithaspace Spotify: Su San

An invitation to remember the reasons for moving abroad and to explore whether your why may have changed over the years. And if you want to read more about it, you can check out my blog post. --------- We are here, too is a podcast about mental health and life abroad, hosted by Francesca Lo Verso, an Italian counsellor living in Scotland. We are here, too exists thanks to the support of friends, family and those of you whose testimony of life abroad inspired me. Thank you! Host and editor: Francesca Lo Verso www.francescacounselling.com IG: @francesca_counselling FB: francescaloversocounselling Email: info@francescacounselling.com Cover illustration: Candela Sánchez www.candelasanchezart.com IG: @delasre_draws Music: Su San TikTok: susanwithaspace Spotify: Su San