Depression as an emigrant in Great Britain - when is it worth seeing a psychologist?

For many people, moving to the UK is the beginning of a new stage of life. A better job, greater development opportunities and financial security are often the main reasons for leaving. However, emigration also means separation from family, the need to find oneself in a new environment and everyday functioning away from the current support system.

Although many people adapt well to new conditions, some Poles living in Great Britain experience mental difficulties. One of the most common problems is depression. Its first symptoms can be subtle and can be easily attributed to fatigue, stress or homesickness. For this reason, many people seek help only when the symptoms have persisted for many months and begin to significantly affect their professional, family and social life.

Can emigration lead to depression?

Emigration itself is not the cause of depression. However, it is one of the most important life events requiring adaptation. Changing place of residence, language, culture, work and limiting contacts with loved ones may increase the level of stress and mental burden.

The most common factors that may contribute to the development of depression in people living in the UK include:

chronic stress,
loneliness and social isolation,
family or partner problems,
financial difficulties,
excessive number of working hours,
lack of work-life balance,
previous episodes of depression or anxiety disorders,
experiencing loss or other difficult life events.

In clinical practice, situations are often observed in which several of these factors occur simultaneously, gradually worsening well-being.

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https://www.mentispsychology.co.uk/blog