By Tania Campbell
Contributing writer
Moving to a new country can be an exciting experience ― the thrill of the exotic and what seems like a series of never-ending adventures.
However, it can also be incredibly stressful and challenging, especially when there is a pronounced language barrier, as in Korea.
Some people adapt easily and take to living in new countries like a dog to a swimming pool, while others struggle to adapt and move out of their comfort zone.
At some point, however, almost everybody feels the symptoms of culture shock, such as intense frustration, alienation, loneliness and homesickness that can lead to other conditions like depression.
It's generally agreed upon that culture shock has several distinct phases: the honeymoon phase, the intense irritability phase, the gradual adjustment phase, followed by the adaptation phase. (Reverse culture shock is a whole other issue in itself).
This trajectory will be very familiar to you ― you arrive and live in a state of euphoria for the first few months, then begin to get increasingly irritated and frustrated at every little thing, culminating in not wanting to leave your apartment.
Most people rebound from this low point, and begin to learn the language, make Korean friends, increase their social networks as their homesickness wanes and ultimately don't think twice about being served cake on a piece of toilet paper.
Finally, you have begun to work things out and understand why Koreans act the way they do. You begin to recognize and appreciate positive aspects of the culture.
You always take your shoes off before entering your apartment. However, for those who can't release themselves from the lowest depths of culture shock, there are two options: go home or seek help. For the latter option, a list of professional mental health practitioners is listed below.
One mental health condition that can flourish while living abroad is depression. Often linked to culture shock, it can present itself in many ways, with the most common symptoms ranging from disturbed eating and sleeping patterns to intense and prevailing feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, sadness, and despair.
Current biomedical research generally shows that a combination of counseling and antidepressant medication is the most effective way of treating depression.
However, treatment varies depending on the severity of the affliction ― mild depression, for instance, may retreat through counseling alone.
Often, the last thing people who are depressed feel like doing is finding suitable help, especially in a foreign country where they have to negotiate the language barrier and unfamiliar medical system.
Those residing in Seoul, however, will find that there is easily accessible help available in English for mental health issues. Due to the wonders of technology, counseling is also available over the phone or via the Internet for those who live in remote areas.
Expatriate mental health practitioners who deal with the expatriate community are often very familiar with the issues afflicting their clients because they can relate to the same issues.
Their self-help advice, along with that of expatriates who have ``been there" is often along the same lines: look after your physical body ― cut down on alcohol, eat well and exercise regularly, create a structured routine and make plans on the weekend, cultivate self-knowledge and self-awareness: if you're an introvert, then going to a rowdy bar on Saturday night probably won't make you feel better; think about how you can live your values and meet your goals.
Don't be too frugal: although many people come to Korea to save money, it's worth spending a bit extra to ensure you have a cell phone, Internet connection and cable TV so you have access to the outside world.
Also, finding the familiar can be helpful, including Western food, English movies and hangouts popular with other expatriates. Connect with the culture and host population by studying the language ― this in itself will knock down many barriers.
Trying pursuits such as taekwondo or calligraphy will bring you in closer contact with the culture as well as the locals.
People often stress the importance of joining groups ― whether it's an expat soccer team or a book club in English, take initiative and sniff out organizations where you can meet like-minded people.
Read the English newspapers, magazine and web sites geared toward expats and find out what is happening around town that you might be interested in.
Don't underestimate the importance of having a support network ― both back home with your friends and family and in Korea.
Humans are social animals and need a certain amount of interaction. For those who belong to a particular faith, find out where there is an English service that meets your needs.
Another important aspect of successfully adapting to the host country is finding opportunities. Many people in Korea find that they have more time and money than they did when they were back home.
Try to use them constructively by participating in activities that have present and future benefit, such as learning a new language, taking a photography class, undertaking distance learning study, or participating in volunteer work.
As Korea becomes a more multicultural society, mental health services have mushroomed to meet the needs of the growing expatriate community.
For those who feel they need to see a psychologist, counselor or psychiatrist, a good place to start is the Seoul Global Center's 24/7 Medical Referral Service.
This English-speaking team, made up of medically trained foreign and Korean volunteers, is ready to answer your questions at 010-4769-8212 or 010-8750-8212. Visit their Web site for more information: https://shc.seoul.go.kr.
Another option is Adaptable Human Solutions (www.ahskorea.com), which is based in Seoul and run by expats. They have registered Western born and educated psychologists on staff who also do phone counseling.
Kim Soo-young of the Itaewon International Clinic specializes in psychiatry and deals with expat patients on a daily basis. He can be reached by calling (02) 790-0857, or by visiting www.internationalclinic.co.kr. Remember, only an M.D. or psychiatrist can prescribe medication. For a complete and up-to-date list of mental health services available in English, visit: https://www.harpo.ca/counselorsinseoul.htm