Stress and your health

Try these tips for reducing stress during your relocation, wherever you are.

Stress impacts everyone — and it can take a special toll when you’re working far from home or living abroad with a spouse on international assignment. Research shows that expatriates are more likely to struggle with stress, along with anxiety, depression and alcohol/substance abuse — yet very few of them actually prepare for the possibility of encountering these while away.¹

Common expat stress triggers

• Language barriers that make it difficult to communicate effectively
• Cultural differences that can make you feel like an outsider
• Workplace challenges such as long hours, tight deadlines and unrealistic expectations
• Difficulties with spouses finding work or activities to enjoy
• Loss of your support network of family and friends back home

Tips for combatting expat stress

• Seek resources to help you assimilate into your new culture
• Stay connected to loved ones at home
• Reach out for professional support early and often

Further reading:

• Find tips and advice: preventing and coping with stress, anxiety and depression
• Learn more from our parent company, Aetna; find ways to relieve stress

Aetna® is a trademark of Aetna Inc. and is protected throughout the world by trademark registrations and treaties.