Pay attention to mental health during studying abroad
2024-12-02
Living overseas, Chinese students need to face real-life issues such as unfamiliar environments, academic pressure, and cultural differences on their own. In recent years, how to maintain mental health has received increasing attention from parents and students. Our reporter interviewed several international students and professionals to hear their experiences and advice on coping with mental health challenges. Li Mengmeng, who is studying abroad in the United States, admits to being curious and excited about the new environment at the beginning of her studies. However, as the novelty fades, the psychological pressure of studying abroad gradually becomes apparent. Li Mengmeng said, "During class, if the teacher speaks too fast, I won't understand. Sometimes when asked to answer questions, I get nervous. Seeing other classmates around me handle things well, I can't help but feel frustrated." In order to dispel negative emotions, Li Mengmeng tried some methods. She believes that the most important thing is to confide in close people. It is normal to encounter difficulties during my study abroad period. My childhood friend is also studying abroad. Although we are in different schools, we face similar situations and problems, so we often share our lives and support each other. In addition, I have voice chats with my parents every day, and they often encourage me, giving me the motivation to overcome challenges. "Li Tonggui, a teacher at the Training Department of the School of Psychology and Cognitive Science at Peking University, believes that it is very important to strengthen my psychological security during our study abroad period. He said, "This requires international students to maintain good communication and exchange with their relatives, classmates, friends, etc., to express the ups and downs of their lives truthfully, and to receive support and comfort. This can make them not lonely, feel connected with others and society, and have hope for the future." Recently, the Chinese Consulate General in Osaka issued a warm reminder to Chinese students studying abroad to pay attention to their mental health, suggesting that Chinese students inform their families of the name and address of the school they are studying at, as well as their contact information such as the school, landlord, classmates, and friends in a timely manner after going abroad. At the same time, they should inform their domestic relatives of their contact information to the school, landlord, friends, etc., in case of emergency. Everyone can communicate with their family members regularly at the agreed frequency or time through various means, report their safety in a timely manner, and avoid unnecessary worries. Cultivating hobbies "When I first came to the UK, I felt lonely." Liu Mingyu, who was studying in the UK, said, "I am in an environment where there are not many Chinese people and few people can communicate with each other on the same frequency. Moreover, it is cloudy and rainy in the UK, especially in winter, when it gets dark early, I seldom go out because of the weather, and I tend to be depressed when I stay at home." "According to my observation, some Chinese students are difficult to make good friends because of language barriers, cultural differences, etc., and can't adapt to life abroad." Chen Yu, president of the Netherlands China Association of Studies, said, "Some students said that their social circle is narrow, while living abroad for a long time, it is difficult to ease negative emotions, and even depression, autism and other psychological problems occur in serious cases In this regard, Li Tonggui believes that doing what he likes can effectively regulate his mood. He said, "Students can cultivate an interest and hobby from now on, and persist in it. When everyone is unhappy studying abroad, they can do things that interest them, and their mood will become better." Liu Mingyu has firsthand experience. She said, "I like playing play badminton. I met several students with the same hobby in the school gym. Later, I took the initiative to invite everyone to play football together. We gradually got to know each other well and became good friends. In addition to sports, we also went to supermarkets, libraries, etc." "My hobbies enriched my life." Liu Mingyu said, "When immersed in badminton, I felt full and happy. I suggested that students actively try different activities and find their hobbies, such as taking part in football, drama, animation and other club activities in school, making friends, making life more interesting when studying abroad." "Joining the animation club not only improved my foreign language level, but also Let me integrate into the new environment faster and better," recalled Du Haolun of Seoul University, South Korea, At that time, I had just come to South Korea to study, and my Korean was not yet fluent enough, and I was also a bit unfamiliar with the surrounding environment. When participating in activities in the club, I had to communicate with everyone, so my Korean improved quickly and my cross-cultural communication skills were also exercised. Some international students expressed that when academic and job pressures intensify, it is difficult to avoid psychological symptoms such as tension, anxiety, and pain. Li Mengmeng said, "American tuition fees are expensive and living expenses are high. Many students urgently pursue good grades and high-quality internship opportunities in order to not disappoint their families' expectations. At this time, if they don't know how to adjust, they are easily trapped in distress and unable to extricate themselves, and are in a high-pressure state mentally. How to effectively release stress? Li Tonggui suggested, "Students should have a sense of self-efficacy, which refers to a strong belief that 'I can definitely do it well'. In fact, each of us has the ability to withstand pressure and needs to be consciously stimulated. Adjusting our mentality is not easy, and the most direct way is to start with changing our behavior. We can set goals for ourselves, such as persisting in running and exercising, setting more alarms to urge ourselves to wake up early. With positive actions, our mentality will naturally be influenced and become broader, which can form a virtuous cycle." "Everyone should pay attention to emotional changes and seek help and support in a timely manner," Li Mengmeng said. "If you have psychological discomfort, communicate and exchange ideas with family, teachers, friends and classmates as soon as possible. If necessary, consult a psychologist to actively relieve the symptoms. As far as I know, many schools have mental health centers where professional teachers communicate one-on-one with students who come to seek help. Some schools in the United States also have psychological service clubs, in which volunteers have received professional training, listen to everyone's troubles and confusion, be everyone's' tree hole ', and help counselors open their hearts Zhuang Qin, who is studying in the United States, believes that it is important to find the "little moments of happiness" in life. He said, "It's difficult to feel happy inside when you can't reach the high goals you set for yourself. When you feel anxious, I think you should do specific things, such as cleaning the room, cooking, watching a movie, etc. In fact, 'knowing how to live' is a skill that needs to be learned. Everyone can spend more time on things they like, maintain their love for life, and when we are filled with inner abundance, we are more likely to unleash our creativity and do things with half the effort
Edit：Chen Jie Responsible editor：Li Ling
Source：People's Daily
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