We are here, too - on mental health abroad

Let's connect When I first set foot in Scotland, the newness of everything was overwhelming, especially the language. The accent, the slang, their way of expression put me in a state of constant exertion - to grasp, to comprehend and to respond. Navigating through these linguistic hurdles wasn't just draining, it was a mental battle that triggered self-doubt, stress, and anxiety. Join me, Francesc...

Let's connect Imagine packing your bags, leaving home, and settling in a foreign land. A thrilling adventure, isn't it? But what happens when the excitement fades and is replaced with a feeling of failure, disappointment and a crisis of identity? I'm your host Francesca, an Italian living in Scotland, and today, I'm opening up about my rollercoaster journey of self-discovery and mental health abro...

Let's connect An invitation to remember the reasons for moving abroad and to explore whether your why may have changed over the years. And if you want to read more about it, you can check out my blog post . --------- We are here, too is a podcast about mental health and life abroad, hosted by Francesca Lo Verso, an Italian counsellor living in Scotland. We are here, too exists thanks to the suppor...

Let's connect Navigating holidays while residing abroad can be a complex emotional journey. Listen in as I bare my soul about my two-decade-long experience of managing the pressure of holiday decisions, establishing boundaries with loved ones, and finding a balance between my roots and the new life overseas. I pull back the curtain on the struggle of being away from home during festive times and t...

Let's connect Have you ever thought about the crucial role boundaries play in shaping our interactions with the world? I'm Francesca, an Italian living in Scotland, here to guide you through a fascinating discussion on the complexities of boundaries - both personal and cultural, and their impact on our mental health when living abroad. We'll explore how boundaries serve as guides, limits, and a wa...

Let's connect Also known as expat depression (or moving abroad blues ), depression is a common experience among those living abroad. However, a thrilling and enriching experience, living abroad comes with its challenges, which may trigger low mood and feelings of depression. In this episode, I will share what I learned from my depression when living abroad, and if you want to read more, check the...

Let's connect Today, we will navigate the intricate labyrinth of guilt accompanying migration (also known as expat guilt ). This journey is not just for migrants but anyone who seeks to understand the emotional turmoil of those who have left their homeland. We'll peel back the layers of guilt, revealing its role as a moral compass that guides our decisions and its manifestation as fear and self-do...

Let's connect Have you ever grappled with the multi-layered challenges of cultural identity as a foreigner? When we move abroad, our sense of identity changes, and there could be many reasons for this. Leaving our home, community, and cultural background and adapting to a new environment can be challenging and lead to feelings of identity confusion and loss. For many people, their cultural identit...

Let's connect Have you ever wondered how migrating to a different country might impact your mental health? This is the provocative question we explore in our first episode.  My name is Francesca, an Italian counsellor living in Scotland, and in this episode (and in this podcast) I share  personal experiences and professional insights on the impact of migration on mental health. A note: I don't shy...

Let's connect Ever felt completely out of your comfort zone while trying to blend into a new culture? This episode is an in-depth view of the challenging phenomenon of culture shock which often leads to internal conflict and confusion when moving abroad. You'll hear from my personal experiences of migration, the pleasant surprises, and the frustrating struggles that have shaped my understanding of...

Let's connect Welcome to We are here, too , a podcast about mental health and living abroad. Season 1 is about meaning-making , learning who we are with this new identity of migrant/foreigner/expat that has followed us since day one of living abroad. Happy listening! --------- We are here, too is a podcast about mental health and life abroad, hosted by Francesca Lo Verso, an Italian counsellor liv...