{"id":1997,"date":"2020-11-28T18:02:28","date_gmt":"2020-11-28T16:02:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/oslopsykologvirke.no\/?page_id=1997"},"modified":"2024-10-17T11:34:30","modified_gmt":"2024-10-17T09:34:30","slug":"expat-psychologist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/psykologvirke.no\/en\/selvhjelp\/expat-psychologist\/","title":{"rendered":"Expat in Norway: Taking care of mental health and finding a psychologist"},"content":{"rendered":"

By INGA G. GENTILE, licensed psychologist and couples therapist<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Being placed on assignment in Norway or relocating for love can be an exciting adventure, but also present its challenges such as loneliness and isolation. In those situations it can be helpful to find a psychologist. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, one of our expat psychologists on staff offer their best advice on how to adjust to life in Norway and, if necessary, how to seek help and support and find a psychologist in Oslo or online.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Book a session now<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Is Norway a friendly country? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Out of 65 countries, Norway was ranked as the 48th 'friendliest' country for expats by the InterNations Expat Insider 2021 Survey.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The idea of relocating to Norway can seem especially exciting given Norway's reputation as being a progressive country with beautiful nature, low rates of crime and a generous national public healthcare system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But as with anything - life in Norway as an expat can also present its challenges at times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mental health issues when moving abroad  <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Living in another country can be a fantastic experience and it can also take a toll on your mental health. In fact, data from a 2016 study indicates that expats face twice the risk<\/strong> for developing mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety compared to their US counterparts who do not move abroad. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moreover, 90% of expats report experiencing intermittent and at times extended feelings of isolation and loneliness after moving abroad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Throw in the added burdens associated with living abroad during a global pandemic and many people are longing for home, without any clear way of getting there (or bringing it here). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pressure on expats relationships  <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Being an expat in Norway, it can be common to experience feelings of isolation and difficulties adjusting to both the personal and professional aspects of navigating in a different culture, a different language and doing so often perhaps without an established network of family and friends. For partners and families who relocate there can be a range of potentially challenging dynamics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Relocating as a couple or a family can provide support in that you're not going it alone, however the pressures of all of you adjusting can also put more pressure on relationships. This can exaggerate existing problems and create new ones. At its best, this can become an opportunity for transformation as you get the final push to contact a psychologist, seek <\/em> therapy<\/a> or marriage counseling.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tips for protecting mental health when moving to Norway  <\/h2>\n\n\n\n