We are here, too - on mental health abroad - S1E6: Exploring and negotiating boundaries when living abroad

S1E6: Exploring and negotiating boundaries when living abroad

03/28/23 • 11 min

We are here, too - on mental health abroad

Have you ever thought about the crucial role boundaries play in shaping our interactions with the world? I'm Francesca, an Italian living in Scotland, here to guide you through a fascinating discussion on the complexities of boundaries - both personal and cultural, and their impact on our mental health when living abroad. We'll explore how boundaries serve as guides, limits, and a way of asserting ourselves, especially when navigating new cultures and circumstances.
Drawing from my personal experiences and stories, like the culture shock of adapting to different public transport etiquettes in Italy and Scotland, we'll delve into the idea of boundaries as negotiators of adaption and control in unfamiliar environments. We'll learn to listen to our body and mind, using boundaries to ensure safety and fulfill emotional needs, while also understanding their role in giving us room to breathe, expanding our empathy, and building relationships in our new country. So get ready for a captivating journey of self-discovery!
If you want to read more about it, you can check out my blog post about boundaries when living abroad.

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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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Previous Episode

S1E5: What I learnt from my depression when living abroad

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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.

Next Episode

S1E7: Balancing holidays and self-care when living abroad

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Navigating holidays while residing abroad can be a complex emotional journey. Listen in as I bare my soul about my two-decade-long experience of managing the pressure of holiday decisions, establishing boundaries with loved ones, and finding a balance between my roots and the new life overseas. I pull back the curtain on the struggle of being away from home during festive times and the delicate dance of meeting expectations while staying true to my needs.
In the second part of this episode, the focus shifts to the significance of self-care amidst the chaos. Having spent numerous festive seasons abroad, I discovered the importance of prioritising my needs and managing expectations. Balancing my desires with those of others has been instrumental in making holidays abroad more manageable and fulfilling. You'll hear my insights and tips on enjoying holidays away from home and the crucial need to practice self-care during these stressful periods. Tune in for a heartfelt discussion filled with personal anecdotes, raw emotions, and valuable advice.
And if you want to hear more episodes on holidays when living abroad, season 2 is dedicated to it!
Happy listening!

We are here, too - on mental health abroad - S1E6: Exploring and negotiating boundaries when living abroad

Transcript

We are halfway through season one, today's episode six, and we are going to talk about boundaries. This is Francesca. I'm your host. I'm Italian, as my accent gives away. I live in Scotland at the moment and this is WE ARE HERE, TOO a podcast about mental health when living abroad.
n the many years of personal therapy and my counseling course and working as a counselor, I suppose one of the things I always, always come about is something about boundaries, and it's not necessarily boundarie