We are here, too - on mental health abroad

Francesca Lo Verso

Welcome to "We are here, too," an insightful podcast exploring the ebbs and flows of life abroad and its profound impact on mental health. Join me, a counsellor with two decades of experience outside my homeland, Italy, and a background in counselling and psychotherapy, as I share stories of life abroad. Whether you consider yourself a migrant, an expatriate, a foreigner, a digital nomad or a wandering soul, embark on a journey of self-discovery while gaining valuable insights into the everyday struggles faced by those who have chosen to build their lives in foreign lands. Don't forget to subscribe and share if you find it engaging. Thank you for tuning!

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Top 10 We are here, too - on mental health abroad Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best We are here, too - on mental health abroad episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to We are here, too - on mental health abroad for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite We are here, too - on mental health abroad episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

S1E12: Tapping into your power

We are here, too - on mental health abroad

06/13/23 • 15 min

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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.

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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!
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Host and editor: Francesca Lo Verso
www.francescacounselling.com
IG: @francesca_counselling
FB: francescaloversocounselling
Email: [email protected]
Cover illustration: Candela Sánchez
www.candelasanchezart.comIG: @delasre_draws
Music: Su San
TikTok: susanwithaspace
Spotify: Su San

S2E1: Expressing needs and setting boundaries on holidays

We are here, too - on mental health abroad

07/18/23 • 19 min

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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!

S2E2: Holiday guilt trip

We are here, too - on mental health abroad

07/25/23 • 16 min

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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.
You may also like:
S1E4: Why am I feeling this guilty?
S3E3: The somatics of guilt abroad

S2E5: Understanding homesickness

We are here, too - on mental health abroad

08/15/23 • 18 min

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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.

S2E6: "No, I'm not going home for the holidays": a journey to self-acceptance

We are here, too - on mental health abroad

08/22/23 • 14 min

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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.

S2E7: Seven signs you are experiencing reverse culture shock

We are here, too - on mental health abroad

09/19/23 • 21 min

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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.

S3E2: People-pleasing abroad: maintaining identity admidst cultural adaptation

We are here, too - on mental health abroad

03/05/24 • 21 min

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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.”"

S3E3: The somatics of guilt abroad: a body-based perspective on guilt

We are here, too - on mental health abroad

03/12/24 • 20 min

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Edit: I've just realised I opened this episode saying, "In Season 4 Episode 1", when I actually meant "Season 1 Episode 4".
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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 episodes on guilt:
S1E4: Why am I feeling this guilty?
S2E2: Holiday guilt trip

S3E4: In search of home through folklore

We are here, too - on mental health abroad

04/09/24 • 15 min

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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.

S1E5: What I learnt from my depression when living abroad

We are here, too - on mental health abroad

03/21/23 • 12 min

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Also known as expat depression (or moving abroad blues), depression is a common experience among those living abroad. However, a thrilling and enriching experience, living abroad comes with its challenges, which may trigger low mood and feelings of depression. In this episode, I will share what I learned from my depression when living abroad, and if you want to read more, check the blog post about it.

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FAQ

How many episodes does We are here, too - on mental health abroad have?

We are here, too - on mental health abroad currently has 31 episodes available.

What topics does We are here, too - on mental health abroad cover?

The podcast is about Expat, Health & Fitness, Mental Health, Podcasts, Self-Improvement and Education.

What is the most popular episode on We are here, too - on mental health abroad?

The episode title 'S1E1: Migration and mental health: a journey of hope, overcoming and connection' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on We are here, too - on mental health abroad?

The average episode length on We are here, too - on mental health abroad is 16 minutes.

How often are episodes of We are here, too - on mental health abroad released?

Episodes of We are here, too - on mental health abroad are typically released every 7 days.

When was the first episode of We are here, too - on mental health abroad?

The first episode of We are here, too - on mental health abroad was released on Feb 19, 2023.

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We are here, too - on mental health abroad

Francesca Lo Verso

Top 10 We are here, too - on mental health abroad Episodes

FAQ

How many episodes does We are here, too - on mental health abroad have?

What topics does We are here, too - on mental health abroad cover?

What is the most popular episode on We are here, too - on mental health abroad?

What is the average episode length on We are here, too - on mental health abroad?

How often are episodes of We are here, too - on mental health abroad released?

When was the first episode of We are here, too - on mental health abroad?

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