Tips on how to overcome post-Erasmus depression

Since the outbreak of the pandemic, we've been talking more about mental health and its importance, for these two years have been somewhat complicated for everyone. In this post we want to talk to you about something that many of us have experienced when returning from our periods abroad: thepost-Erasmus depression syndrome.

Have you recently returned from your Erasmus and feel that nothing has changed at home, but that you are a totally different person? You may miss your life abroad, your friends, your independence and speaking a different language. This can lead to a range of feelings, from sadness to apathy, that can affect you when you return to your routine back home. Don't worry! It's nothing that can't be solved. If you feel you need a little boost, today we tell you how to overcome post-Erasmus depression with the tips that have worked best for us.

First of all, we would like to clarify that this post gives basic information on how to feel better and is not intended to replace any treatment or psychotherapy. If your symptoms of post-Erasmus depression go further or you feel that you are not improving, get in touch with professionals who can guide you and help you in this process.

1. Lean on your family and friends

When you've been home for a few days, you may start to notice that you no longer fit into your old routine and start to miss your Erasmus life. In this case, something that helps a lot is to talk to your family and friends about how you feel so that they are aware of the situation. It is very important to have the support of the people around you, so make plans with them and get back to the things and routines that made you feel good before you left. It will help considerably!

2. Join new activities and discover other parts of your city

Another thing that helps you get through this stage is doing new activities that interest you, and even those that you have done for the first time during your Erasmus and want to take up again in your city. This will make you feel like you're bringing a piece of your experience back to your city and will make the transition a bit easier. You can also get involved in events and organisations where you can get in touch with people from other countries: from parties or meetings with other Erasmus students to expat and traveller associations. You'll feel at home again!

Besides, discovering other corners of your city is always perfect to feel like another tourist. Visit that museum, church or monument you've always passed by, keep up to date with the cultural and leisure activities organised in your city and don't miss anything!

3. Play sport, excercise and lead an active life

Sport could not be missing from this list, because physical activity is essential for our mind. It is more than proven that an active lifestyle not only helps you to improve your physical health, but also your mental health, as both are connected. When you practice any sport your brain secretes endorphins, which are better known as the happiness hormones and have the effect of reducing both pain and negative emotions. That's why when you finish your sport you will feel positive and fulfilled, and that's what we're looking for! Stay away from sedentary lifestyles and bad habits; if you lead as active a life as possible, your body and mind will thank you for it.

4. Keep travelling as much as possible

Travelling may be something you miss after your Erasmus, as it is one of the most common activities during this period. Even if it's not the best time in history to travel, you can still do it as much as possible.

If your wallet and health restrictions allow it, take advantage of offers and discounts to travel to other countries throughout the year. You can combine this with shorter weekend trips to explore parts of your country that you don't know yet. And if health measures don't allow too much mobility, you can always go on day trips and rediscover your region. There are bound to be places worth visiting that you haven't seen yet!

5. Value your experience and your personal development

It is possible that with all the flood of emotions you have not had time to take stock of your experience, but perhaps it is time for you to stop and think about everything you have done during these months and everything you have learned. You haven't just spent a few months in another country: you've immersed yourself in a different culture, you've studied in a different educational system, you've met people from other countries and cultures, and you've lived unique experiences. All that has to add up to something, right? Think about all that you have experienced and value what you have grown as a person in your adventure. That is priceless.

6. Focus on yourself and self-care

Although we've put it last, this is undoubtedly one of the most important things to do after your experience abroad: focus on yourself and take care of yourself. This includes all of the above, as taking care of your body and mental health and doing things for yourself is also self-care. Put yourself at the centre of your life and don't worry about things that haven't happened yet. Live in the present without thinking about what you would like to do in the very long term as this can be overwhelming. As you feel better you can focus on what you want to achieve and do, you may even want to work or go back to study abroad, who knows? In the end, your life is written only by yourself. For now, take care of yourself today and let things flow.

We hope these tips will help you get back your energy and overcome your post-Erasmus depression. Don't forget that you can always consult a professional, who will give you the necessary tools to overcome this situation. From Erasmusu we want you to know that you don't have to go through it alone, and that many of us have been there too and everything eventually gets betters, so we send you a big hug!

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