Having trouble fitting in and feeling lonely during my volunteer program abroad

@leilainvirtnam

Hi, Leila,

 

Thank you for bravely sharing here about your adventure volunteering in Vietnam, and your struggle connecting with the young people you are surrounded by, along with your feeling of not doing your job well in spite of you trying your very best. 

 

Being in the middle of an unfamiliar culture, learning the ways of your new job and feeling stuck, lonely and discouraged, seem to me to be very rational feelings given the circumstances you are in.

 

You asked about whether asking your psychiatrist about possibly adding an antidepressant to your current schizophrenia treatment is a good idea.

 

Honestly, I don’t think it could hurt to discuss your feelings, the whole picture, with your psychiatrist, if they are the sort who might be able to give good advice, especially if they can evaluate carefully, knowing you better certainly than I do, whether your feelings go beyond what would be a normal adjustment under these circumstances.

 

I wonder if there is someone, anyone, within the community, who could mentor you, perhaps take you under their wing a bit while you’re feeling this lonely and isolated, until you can find your feet in this community. Certainly, effort counts for something, and perhaps people around you see you trying so hard, and perhaps there is just a language barrier to people telling you how they see you working so hard to give and contribute. In many ways, though I’m older now, I found that spirit within has nothing to do with age, and that there is a sort of joyousness that has nothing to do with physical capabilities, but surely you seek the bonding with others as well that comes from working on a project together, a kind of camaraderie, and that is a very natural expectation and desire.

 

I wish you all the best in whatever you decide to pursue, and I hope this working experience in Vietnam will prove to be a positive one towards your self-development.

 

With Love and Courage,

CalmRosebud

@leilainvirtnam 

Hei Leila, I hear your pain. Thanks for sharing about the struggle you're going through regards to adjusting in this new environment. It hit me in the feels, the part about looking for a fresh start, about shuffling through many jobs, trying to just catch a break and hope for once that things turn out well or "normal" as you'd said. That's something I've been living through as well. You know, exploring and going out to a completely new culture and living system is one of the bravest thing one can do, and I really am proud of you for taking this step! ✨

I bet you had a thing about "starting from scratch" thing in mind when you decided to go through with it... an opportunity where you won't get bogged down by your environment... like the things and people you know. Now, this is amazing, but adjusting to this new space can be a challenge too, and mind you... most of the friends I got here who went abroad experience that sometime or the other. So, you're not alone in this, okay? And it's alright to feel discouraged given that it isn't going as well right now, in your place I would too feel this. Naturally, right now there's not been connections or engagements so as to make you feel fulfilled or involved. But I hope that it does happen soon.

If you'd like, we could chat about your motivations and the nature of the volunteership that made you seek it, and then currently the most challenging aspects of it and what you would like to happen right now in it? It could help to process and help you to come across the plans or strategies to tackle the challenges. And you'd thank yourself later when you do get past them 😊

Regarding the psychiatrist bit, it's always a great idea to share your thoughts and feelings to the professional you're consulting... and they would be the best judge for your medications. But if you do want to vent, discuss, or just have a casual chat about it, do feel free to message!

Once again, thank you for sharing about your journey. You got this 💗

Big virtual 🤗. I am 55 and understand much of what you explained SO well. Your ability to give such clear insight is a gift!

I agree with the replies you have received and encourage you to share with your psychiatrist and see what the two of you might be able to come up with.

Also having a safe person within the organization to talk to would be great. You can get the feedback you might need to reinforce that you are doing a good job or support to help with challenges.

Keep us posted if you have a chance!!!

Big virtual 🤗. I am 55 and understand much of what you explained SO well. Your ability to give such clear insight is a gift!

I agree with the replies you have received and encourage you to share with your psychiatrist and see what the two of you might be able to come up with.

Also having a safe person within the organization to talk to would be great. You can get the feedback you might need to reinforce that you are doing a good job or support to help with challenges.

Keep us posted if you have a chance!!!

@leilainvirtnamThank you for sharing your story. It sounds like you’re facing a lot right now. Talking to your psychiatrist about how you’re feeling, including your thoughts on antidepressants, is a good idea. They can help find the best way to support you. You’re not alone, and it’s okay to ask for help.