Introduction
Introduction
Students who move abroad for their studies face a range of unique challenges in comparison to domestic students.
They face a triple transition
They face a triple transition
- into a new chapter of their education career
- into a new education system
- into a new environment / cultural surroundings
Causes of mental health issues among international students
Causes of mental health issues among international students
Mental health issues can be caused by very different stressors. The following slides list some of these that especially international students might be faced with.
Weather
Depending on one’s country of origin and where one chooses to study, the weather could have an impact on one’s mood. If you study somewhere with a different climate to what you’re used to, then this could cause you to feel down. If it’s cold and raining, you are less likely to be outside, which can reduce one‘s motivation.
Language barrier
If people speak different languages, it can be
difficult for them to communicate with each other,
which is what is experienced as language barrier.
difficult for them to communicate with each other,
which is what is experienced as language barrier.
Cultural shock
A cultural shock can be a major cause for depression and anxiety for international students. Whether that’s a difference in social norms, food or general attitudes, it is common to feel unsettled when experiencing a new culture.
Homesickness
Due to the nature of studying abroad, international students may miss their friends, family and the comfort of their home. While this is common, feeling constantly homesick can be really difficult and might affect one’s time abroad.
Financial problems
It is a basic requirement for a student to have adequate funding in order to be able to purchase required study materials, food supplies and transport. Without proper funding, students may not be able to properly socialise and integrate. The students’ academic performance can suffer, as well as their international experience as a whole.
Existential anxiety
Existential anxiety tends to arise during transitions and reflects difficulty adapting, often related to losing safety and security. For example, a college student moving away from home or an adult going through a difficult divorce might feel that the foundation on which their life was built is shaking. This may lead to questioning the meaning of their existence.
Fear of failure
Fear of failure among students in higher education is an important topic for psychologists and counsellors who work on college campuses. It is believed by some students that success is the most important criterion for their parents, teachers or peers and that failure will result in the loss of their esteem. They fear that failure may not only cause the loss of respect of people important to them but also distress them.
Xenophobia and racism
While staying abroad, international students may experience and/or be victims of xenophobia and racism. Xenophobia is the fear and hatred of strangers or foreigners, whereas racism has a broader meaning set including "a belief that racial differences produce the inherent superiority of a particular race."
Sexual harassment
Sexual harassment is uninvited and unwelcome
verbal or physical behavior of a sexual nature,
especially by a person in authority toward a
subordinate (such as an employee or student).
Externe links:
wirsehenhin.de
instagram.com/wirsehenhin
instagram.com/wirsehenhin
wirsehenhin.de/links
verbal or physical behavior of a sexual nature,
especially by a person in authority toward a
subordinate (such as an employee or student).
Externe links:
wirsehenhin.de
instagram.com/wirsehenhin
instagram.com/wirsehenhin
wirsehenhin.de/links
Stigma
In certain parts of the world, mental health is not as openly discussed as it is in other countries. This could make asking for help really difficult, especially if one is embarrassed to talk about how he or she is feeling.
A few warning signs to keep an eye on
A few warning signs to keep an eye on
If you have witnessed over a longer period of time, one or more of these behaviours in your friend or in yourself, these could be warnings signs:
Externally visible warning signs
- Sleep or appetite changes — Dramatic sleep and appetite changes or decline in personal care
- Mood changes — Rapid or dramatic shifts in emotions or depressed feelings
- Withdrawal — Recent social withdrawal and loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed
- Drop in functioning — An unusual drop in functioning, at school, work or social activities, such as quitting sports, failing in school or difficulty performing familiar tasks
- Unusual behavior – Odd, uncharacteristic, peculiar behavior
Internal warning signs
- Apathy — Loss of initiative or desire to participate in any activity
- Problems thinking — Problems with concentration, memory or logical thought and speech that are hard to explain
- feeling lonely
- feeling guilty
- being unable to get out of bed (in the mornings)
Further ressources detailing possible signs of depression and anxiety
Mental Health First Aid Kit
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) courses are a suite of internationally acclaimed and evidence-based, accredited training programs that empower and equip individuals with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to support a friend, family member or co-worker experiencing a mental health problem or experiencing a crisis such as being suicidal.
mhfainternational.org
Video from WHO on depression
I had a black dog, his name was depression
Find here a resource of the World Health Organization (WHO): At its worst, depression can be a frightening, debilitating condition. Millions of people around the world live with depression. Many of these individuals and their families are afraid to talk about their struggles, and don't know where to turn for help. However, depression is largely preventable and treatable. Recognizing depression and seeking help is the first and most critical step towards recovery.
youtube.com/watch
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) courses are a suite of internationally acclaimed and evidence-based, accredited training programs that empower and equip individuals with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to support a friend, family member or co-worker experiencing a mental health problem or experiencing a crisis such as being suicidal.
mhfainternational.org
Video from WHO on depression
I had a black dog, his name was depression
Find here a resource of the World Health Organization (WHO): At its worst, depression can be a frightening, debilitating condition. Millions of people around the world live with depression. Many of these individuals and their families are afraid to talk about their struggles, and don't know where to turn for help. However, depression is largely preventable and treatable. Recognizing depression and seeking help is the first and most critical step towards recovery.
youtube.com/watch
Does that sound familiar?
Does that sound familiar?
If you recognized yourself or a friend on the previous slides, find out what can be done on several levels to help and alleviate some of the stressors.
- Things you can do for yourself
- Low threshold offers of advice and counselling
- Professional Help
Taking action yourself
Taking action yourself
There are many things you can do for yourself to support your well-being, here are some examples:
Find other foreign or internationally interested students to connect with
Attend sports and well-being workshops or classes offered by
- Establishing a healthier study/work-life balance
- Finding a new hobby
- Going on a weekend trip with friends
- Taking a short time-out, i.e. travelling back home for a week or two
Find other foreign or internationally interested students to connect with
- Getting involved in a student organisation, i.e.
- FIN’s academic club
- Meeting other expats, i.e.
- Finding a language tandem, i.e.
- via Tandem App [Tandem is a language exchange app that connects language learners with native speakers. Members can search for language exchange partners to talk to by either text or voice chat. Go to tandem.net]
Attend sports and well-being workshops or classes offered by
- one of the several public health insurances
- the university sports center SPOZ spoz.ovgu.de
- by a local association, i.e. Wildwasser e.V. is offering courses on empowering women wildwasser-magdeburg.de
Low-threshold offering
Low-threshold offerings
SI@FIN
"Support Internationals at FIN", or SI@FIN, supports international students looking for assistance or support in integrating at FIN.
Initiatives by SI@FIN are centered around the issues faced by international students during their integration into the German education system. The main goal is to increase the study success of international students at FIN.
Discover more: inf.ovgu.de
Initiatives by SI@FIN are centered around the issues faced by international students during their integration into the German education system. The main goal is to increase the study success of international students at FIN.
Discover more: inf.ovgu.de
IKUS
IKUS is an intercultural student organisation that supports international students in Magdeburg and brings them together with German students. We are an intercultural team and students of the OVGU Magdeburg or the Hochschule Magdeburg-Stendal ourselves and most of us volunteer for IKUS. We offer opportunities to have intercultural experiences and make friends in the process. For this purpose we organize parties, intercultural country evenings, excursions and much more. IKUS also offers permanent counseling and support for international students in Magdeburg. We also support newly arrived students with their first steps in Germany. This includes dealing with authorities, advice and help with questions and problems concerning studying in Magdeburg and organizing welcome weeks for freshmen. Our goal is to help international students get started in their (new) life in Magdeburg, integrate into the German community and foster intercultural friendships.
Discover more: ikus.ovgu.de
Discover more: ikus.ovgu.de
RIA buddy program
The RIA (Department of International Affairs) is a department of the Students Council (StuRa) of the Otto-von-Guericke University and as such an organ of student self-administration. We are students from different disciplines at OVGU, who participate in voluntary work in order to promote tolerance and the integration of international students at the university. Therefore, our core project, the buddy program, was initiated in 2012. It aims at supporting incoming international students during their first steps in Magdeburg.
Discover more: ria.stura-md.de
Discover more: ria.stura-md.de
Hängematte
“Hängematte” (in English: hammock) is a low-threshold counselling service for students offered by master students studying Psychology at OVGU.
Write to haengematte@ovgu.de
Write to haengematte@ovgu.de
Nightline Magdeburg
“Nightline Magdeburg” is a student-led helpline. You can tell us everything! Whether relationship problems, stress at university or other worries, we have an open ear for you. Both sides' anonymity and confidentiality are very important to us.
“Nightline Magdeburg” operates from Wednesday to Sunday, 9 pm to 12 pm. You can find out everything else about us on our homepage.
Call +49 391/ 67 52 075 or use the chat function
nightline-magdeburg.de
“Nightline Magdeburg” operates from Wednesday to Sunday, 9 pm to 12 pm. You can find out everything else about us on our homepage.
Call +49 391/ 67 52 075 or use the chat function
nightline-magdeburg.de
International circle
The “International circle” is a self-help group for international students at the PSB (Psychosocial counselling of the Studentenwerk Magdeburg).
Contact: angela.nossack@studentenwerk-magdeburg.de
Contact: angela.nossack@studentenwerk-magdeburg.de
Pastoral care and counselling
If you have questions, doubts or fears, if you just want to talk... feel free to contact Pastor Dr. Angela Kunze-Beiküfner! It doesn't matter if you belong to a religion or not, the pastor will be there for you.
During the semester always on Wednesdays between 4 pm and 7 pm and also on all other days in the week by arrangement via pfarrerin@esg-magdeburg.de.
Discover more: esgm.ekmd-online.de
During the semester always on Wednesdays between 4 pm and 7 pm and also on all other days in the week by arrangement via pfarrerin@esg-magdeburg.de.
Discover more: esgm.ekmd-online.de
Professional help
Professional help
At some point, prevention, self help and low threshold offers cannot help anymore, and professional help might be required.
As an OVGU student the Studentenwerk offers psychosocial student councelling in groups or on individual basis.
Many more offers of professional advisory services in and outside of OVGU exist. A list can be found on the following page
As an OVGU student the Studentenwerk offers psychosocial student councelling in groups or on individual basis.
Many more offers of professional advisory services in and outside of OVGU exist. A list can be found on the following page
Psychosocial Counselling of the Studentenwerk Magdeburg
Psychosocial Counselling of the Studentenwerk Magdeburg is open to all university students and employees within the competence of the Studentenwerk. It offers free, non-binding and strictly confidential counselling in stressful situations that may occur during the course of studies.Problems with motivation, the feeling of being overwhelmed, the fear of exams or anxieties about the future, difficulties in relationships with parents or friends and partners cannot always be solved on one’s own or with the help of friends or relatives. One or more individual talks with the counsellor can often provide relief. A common dialogue often helps to gain new perspectives that can foster your own understanding of the problem and provide a route to the strengths and expertise that are sometimes fully or partly hidden. Of course, you are also most welcome if you do not even know where the problems lie, and perhaps you just look for someone who can listen to you and help to sort out your thoughts.In addition to individual counselling, group sessions will be held during the semester, if correspondingly required. Find all information on contact persons, telephone consultation hours and courses here:
studentenwerk-magdeburg.de
studentenwerk-magdeburg.de
Advisory services
Explore the link collection of OVGU’s Office for equal opportunities to find internal, regional and nationwide contact and advice centres which offer support and assistance in special and/or difficult situations, both professionally and privately.
www.bfg.ovgu.de
www.bfg.ovgu.de
Student perspectives
Student perspectives
Online ressources
Online resources
There are also many online tools and resources available to get more information, or even support.
Some recommended apps
Silvercloud
Provides tactics for dealing with a range of issues such as stress, communication skills, anger management and relaxation. This app teaches breathing techniques and methods for coping with stress.
Mind shift
Created for young people who suffer with anxiety. This app teaches methods for dealing with your anxious feelings instead of avoiding them.
Headspace
An app used for mindfulness and meditation to reduce daily stress. Headspace has hundreds of sessions to help you feel calmer and more focused.
Catch it
This app uses techniques from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), helping users to note their thoughts with a digital diary where you can record and track how you’re feeling.
iPrevail
A supportive community where you can share your thoughts and feelings with a trained peer counsellor about any problems you may have. Learn strategies for coping with depression, anxiety, stress or anything else that you might be dealing with.
Provides tactics for dealing with a range of issues such as stress, communication skills, anger management and relaxation. This app teaches breathing techniques and methods for coping with stress.
Mind shift
Created for young people who suffer with anxiety. This app teaches methods for dealing with your anxious feelings instead of avoiding them.
Headspace
An app used for mindfulness and meditation to reduce daily stress. Headspace has hundreds of sessions to help you feel calmer and more focused.
Catch it
This app uses techniques from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), helping users to note their thoughts with a digital diary where you can record and track how you’re feeling.
iPrevail
A supportive community where you can share your thoughts and feelings with a trained peer counsellor about any problems you may have. Learn strategies for coping with depression, anxiety, stress or anything else that you might be dealing with.
Some recommended blogs
The Artidote
theartidote.org
Launched in 2015 as a virtual space where to story-tell, empathize, bond and heal through art, today The Artidote community has become a global support group that has saved lives through social media. As it continues to grow, it has expanded beyond the virtual and entered real spaces through Artidote Meetups hosted by Jova in cities across the world.
The School of Life
theschooloflife.com
The School of Life is an organisation built to help us find calm, self-understanding, resilience and connection - especially during troubled times. We place emphasis on the need to understand ourselves better, so that we can secure serenity and make optimally reliable decisions, particularly around love and work.
HelloBetter
hellobetter.de
At HelloBetter, we work passionately on the goal of sustainably changing basic psychological care every day. Find out more about our mission. Discover exciting articles and many useful facts in our blog on psychology, psychotherapy and mental health.
theartidote.org
Launched in 2015 as a virtual space where to story-tell, empathize, bond and heal through art, today The Artidote community has become a global support group that has saved lives through social media. As it continues to grow, it has expanded beyond the virtual and entered real spaces through Artidote Meetups hosted by Jova in cities across the world.
The School of Life
theschooloflife.com
The School of Life is an organisation built to help us find calm, self-understanding, resilience and connection - especially during troubled times. We place emphasis on the need to understand ourselves better, so that we can secure serenity and make optimally reliable decisions, particularly around love and work.
HelloBetter
hellobetter.de
At HelloBetter, we work passionately on the goal of sustainably changing basic psychological care every day. Find out more about our mission. Discover exciting articles and many useful facts in our blog on psychology, psychotherapy and mental health.
Other online resources
5 unique mental health stressors faced by international students
eaie.org
Bumper guide to mental health for international students
hotcoursesabroad.com
Counselling and Mental Health
studyabroad.sit.edu
How to help students cope with mental health challenges
eaie.org
Overcoming Fear of Academic Failure: Reasons Why Students Fail vs. Thrive
nshss.org
Studying abroad: mental health beyond homesickness
iamsterdam.com
Warning Signs of Mental Illness
psychiatry.org
eaie.org
Bumper guide to mental health for international students
hotcoursesabroad.com
Counselling and Mental Health
studyabroad.sit.edu
How to help students cope with mental health challenges
eaie.org
Overcoming Fear of Academic Failure: Reasons Why Students Fail vs. Thrive
nshss.org
Studying abroad: mental health beyond homesickness
iamsterdam.com
Warning Signs of Mental Illness
psychiatry.org
Conclusion - End on a positive note
Conclusion
You have already made an important step by consulting this PageFlow! If you or a friend are suffering, you can do something about it, find help and support.
There are a plethora of offers and people ready to support and help you. Get in touch!
There are a plethora of offers and people ready to support and help you. Get in touch!
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Introduction
Causes of mental health issues among international students
Weather
Language barrier
Cultural shock
Homesickness
Financial problems
Existential anxiety
Fear of failure
Xenophobia and racism
Sexual harassment
Stigma
A few warning signs to keep an eye on
Externally visible warning signs
Internal warning signs
Further ressources detailing possible signs of depression and anxiety
Does that sound familiar?
Taking action yourself
Low-threshold offerings
SI@FIN
IKUS
RIA buddy program
Hängematte
Nightline Magdeburg
International circle
Pastoral care and counselling
Professional help
Psychosocial Counselling of the Studentenwerk Magdeburg
Advisory services
Student perspectives
Online resources
Some recommended apps
Some recommended blogs
Other online resources
Conclusion
