Expat life brings a whole new set of challenges, now during the Covid-19 pandemic more than ever. No matter how much we love living in Cambodia, the physical distance from loved ones and cultural differences can at times lead to feelings of isolation, frustration, or uncertainty. The pandemic, school closures, and lockdowns, only serve to exacerbate those feelings. I talked to local clinics Living Well and Reach Counseling about how expats in Cambodia may be affected. In addition to general advice, at the end of this post there’s a list of mental health resources in Cambodia.
Tips for looking after your mental health in Cambodia.
The extended isolation that many of us have experienced during the pandemic, combined with uncertainty of the situation, has made many of us more aware of our existing mental health problems. Others have developed new mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. As most of us are generally creatures of habit and appreciate routine and stability, it’s no wonder that a complete disruption of routine, often at short notice, can lead to stress.
Complicating things further are school closures and for many, job insecurity. While many expats have tried to make the best of a difficult situation by spending more time at home with family, for others the struggling economy and tourism restrictions have meant lost income, lost jobs, or income insecurity. With limited options to return to our home countries, it’s important to address our mental health issues here in Cambodia. Continue reading
