April 30, 2024
Not feeling good? A Guide to Wellbeing for International Students
Moving to a new country for your studies can be incredibly exciting, but it’s also totally normal to feel overwhelmed, isolated, or even anxious at times. Being an international student in Sweden, can come with its own set of challenges – a new culture, a different language, and being far from loved ones.
If you’re feeling down, stressed, or like things are getting on top of you, you are not alone. I have been through a lot of hard times where I felt I will not get over it, but then I managed to survive. Here’s what you can do from my own experience:
The first things that I wished that someone told me earlier is to acknowledge how I’m feeling. Don’t bottle things up – talk to a friend, family back home over video call, or write it down in a journal. It is all VALID. When I started to take it easy about showing my vulnerable part to people, life got a little bit easier.
Always remember you’re not alone! Linköping University has a fantastic Student Health Centre that provides mental health support for students. They have counsellors who can help you work through difficult emotions and develop coping mechanisms. You can also find support groups for international students at the university or through the Linköping International Students Association (http://isa.studorg.liu.se/).
If you feel severe illness or hard panic attack, you can approach the psychiatric emergency room ( Acute) where you will get a professional help and guidance. I even had a panic attack that left me feeling so scared and disoriented that I ended up going to the emergency room (Sjukhuset i Linköping). While it was a scary experience, the staff there were incredibly helpful and understanding. They calmed me down, checked me over physically, and even connected me with a counsellor for a follow-up appointment.
Also, a new association had published its services to help students with their mental health. it is studenthälsa which provide tips and advice to feel better
Remember, It’s Okay to Ask for Help. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, talking to someone or seeking professional help can make a huge difference.
Take care of yourself!
