Culture shock and depression ... ?

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Minnesotan at Heart

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I'm a Junior in high school and my parents moved me to Germany from Minnesota this summer (August 2008). But I'm not part of a military family, it was a spontaneous decision of my parents'.

It hasn't been anything like any of us had hoped it would be, but the three of us agree it's been the hardest on me. Is there anyone who can give me some pointers on how to deal with the changes and depression? The two biggest reasons for my feeling this way are because I am terribly homesick, still, and my school is very discouraging. It hasn't done anything to help me, though I joined the basketball team hoping to let off some of my stress, but all that has done is add to it. I also go into Munich with friends, but that never lasts real long. There have been some positives, but not many.

At this point, I'm trying anything I can to get over the shock and unhappiness.
 
Acceptance could be a big thing here. If there is no way your family will go back to Minnesota, you must accept your situation.

You say there have been some positives - work on developing those and keep a smile on your face if you want to make more friends.

I used to go to Oberfaffenhofen and into Munich and I think Germany is a wonderful place to be.

Perhaps improving your German would help you?

Good luck x
 
You could make an appointment to talk to the counselor at your new school. Change is stressful and hard. You could also start talking to a therapist. I hope you will be able to make more new friends and feel a little better as time passes. Best Wishes to you.
 
awwww honey :( i'm sorrys to hear about the move. If i were in ur situation I'd probably freak out as well. My suggestion is to take a step back and breathe first. If ur parents think its not like what they thought it was, are they going to move back to the states or no? If that is not an option, try looking at this move as a positive opportunity for yourself. Learn german, make friends, explore the area you are in. Learning the culture of another country can be fascinating. This will allow you to explore countries other than germany. Helping your depression will be having to look at the positives aspects rather than the negative. Stay in touch with your friends in USA with SKYPE. Its free and it costs you nothing. Maybe one of your friends from back home could one day come over and visit you. Then you can show off the things you've learned from the german culture. Counselor at your school could help you figure out ways to cope with homesickness, stress, and depression. Hope this helps! I believe you will pull through this :) Good luck!! :)
 
I know how culture shock feels. I moved myself right after High School from Toronto to London, England.

I have also suffered from severe home sickness resulting in depression.

I have found that the small things help. Go online and join American "expat" groups, where other Americans in your area meet up online, organize events, and help with these kind of situations as well.

Also, find some hobbies that you enjoy doing on your own, ie painting, writing etc.

For me, I'm not quite sure for you- but get your parents to help you with this- rediscovering some of the reasons why you chose Germany in the first place, ie visiting historical sites that first interested you, art galleries, trying new restaurants.

It is hard being away from home, and it will not get easy quickly, but you are the master of your own universe, and you can find things that make you happy.
 
I know how culture shock feels. I moved myself right after High School from Toronto to London, England.

I have also suffered from severe home sickness resulting in depression.

I have found that the small things help. Go online and join American "expat" groups, where other Americans in your area meet up online, organize events, and help with these kind of situations as well.

Also, find some hobbies that you enjoy doing on your own, ie painting, writing etc.

For me, I'm not quite sure for you- but get your parents to help you with this- rediscovering some of the reasons why you chose Germany in the first place, ie visiting historical sites that first interested you, art galleries, trying new restaurants.

It is hard being away from home, and it will not get easy quickly, but you are the master of your own universe, and you can find things that make you happy.
 
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