The mental challenges of moving back home from abroad

Along with this, more and more people are returning to their country of origin, and although their difficulties often stay hidden, they are far from insignificant. Most people are prepared to face challenges during the trip abroad and while living overseas, but they do not really expect to deal with similar problems when they come back home. After returning, symptoms such as general anxiety, stress, or even depression may appear. Other signs can include frustration, anger, confusion, alienation, and the feeling of losing the familiar environment. Experiencing reverse culture shock, fear of rejection, feelings of loneliness and restlessness, helplessness, and a sense of lost trust are also common.

The difficulties of readjustment are influenced not only by the length of time spent abroad or by cultural differences, but also by internal factors such as accepting support, staying in touch with family and friends, and a person’s attachment style.

Social support plays a key role in how a returning person experiences the readjustment process and how much culture shock they feel. Support from family members and close friends is especially important. Social support means that the person feels the people around them care about them, interact with them, and support them in an encouraging way. This kind of help can reduce the stress and tension caused by moving back home. Interestingly, though, returning home is not always a traumatic experience; studies among returning university students, for example, show that relationships with parents and siblings often improve after coming back. During the readjustment process, it is especially important for returnees to spend as much time as possible with family members in the first three months after moving home. This can help make reintegration smoother and help returnees find their place in their home culture again more easily. Spending this time together can strengthen family bonds and help returnees reconnect with their home community, creating a solid foundation for readjustment.

Even so, results are mixed when it comes to friendships: some become closer, while others grow more distant. This likely depends on how similar their paths have been and whether they share similar interests with the returning person. Overall, the more problems someone has in their relationships, the harder it will be for them to readjust. At the same time, both time spent abroad and the reintegration that follows coming home offer a special chance for personal growth, shaping your personality, and, if the situation is handled well, expanding and deepening your social connections.

Frequently asked questions

Why do I feel like I cannot connect with my old friends anymore?

Over the years, our interests and life experiences may have developed in different directions, so it is natural if some old relationships have faded by now. That does not mean you have to say goodbye to them. You may be able to find new shared activities that you enjoy just as much.

How long will it take until I finally feel at home again?

Experience shows that the first three months are the hardest, and during this time, quality time with your family can help you find your center again the fastest.

What should I do if I feel like nobody cares about my experiences abroad?

It is worth looking for people or communities who have also lived abroad. They will understand the challenges of your dual identity without judgment, and they can open the door to new connections.

Can I also get something good out of the difficult readjustment period?

Yes, this crisis is a huge opportunity for growth, because the experiences of two different worlds can help you build a much more flexible and open personality.