For many who struggle with mental health, we experience an extreme fragility with our mental state as it relates to our environment. Hence, studying abroad can be one of the most frightening concepts to someone who experiences this. The reality is that, unfortunately, you absolutely will experience turbulence, both literally and metaphorically. However, in my case, I found that this only led me to better and greater things and that I grew and healed myself in ways I never thought I could. In this blog, allow me to show you what I mean.  

The Duomo 

Upon first arrival in your host city, you will be met with glamour, novelty, and excitement. You romanticize your new life and all the experiences you have on the horizon. Yet, as you settle more, you may find that a new, fantastical, home city may not cure all your struggles; who knew? Well, I do now, after my time in Florence. Yet, in the same breath, I want to make it abundantly clear that while this may not be a quick fix, it is the foundation for some truly extraordinary revelations about the self.  

Inside of the Duomo 

After the excitement wears off, you will probably experience some struggle, sometimes extreme struggle. The comfort that once was home: home friends, home food, home family, home surroundings, etc.—now is far away. You also need to learn how to navigate a new language, cuisine, and cultural norms. For someone who struggles with OCD, a disorder that desperately clings to control, habits, and norms, having all those ripped away from me proved to be an extreme challenge. Having faced adversity is a polite way to put it. In all honesty, I was a hot mess the first few weeks, sometimes finding it hard to get up in the morning. It was not an issue of having traveled or not before, as I grew up a multinational kid and had traveled all over the world throughout my childhood. I thought I would get a golden ticket out of the “tough part” of being abroad because of this, yet I was very wrong. Living somewhere new, in an immersive three-and-a-half-month experience with new people, would be a different level of challenge for my mental stability.  

Uffizi Gallery 

All the while, although these trials and tribulations were valid and necessary, and I wouldn’t wish it upon anyone to struggle deeper than they already do with their mental health, I think being pushed out of my comfort zone in this way allowed for growth I had never anticipated. It was almost a level of exposure therapy for me, exposure to a new way of life that I had never had before and one that was more raw and enjoyable. In my case, the Italian joy of life and appreciation for the little and simplistic things slowly rubbed off on me. I was forced to let go of control of certain things I never dreamed of before; my brain would never let me. Being there, though I was forced to, I was met with open arms and a soft pillow to fall on to teach me a new way of life and make new pathways in my brain for coping mechanisms and methods to manage my disorder. 

Ponte Vecchio  

Not only does just living and experiencing new things across the world help, but all the while, I always felt supported by the CEA CAPA staff and always had a community if I needed to help find ways for me to manage my experience abroad. Something personal that helped me was staying in touch with my two therapists back home and doing Zoom or phone call meetings with them. They allowed me to stay grounded and consistent with the progress I had made back home and process and learn from these new experiences in a way that could benefit me most.  

Mercato Centrale 

Overall, if you are looking to study abroad but fear your mental health may be a barrier to doing so, I hope you do not let it stop you. It’s always valid and crucial to be concerned for your well-being—and it takes more preparation and support, depending on your circumstances. However, studying abroad is a rich and fulfilling experience, and the adversity you face may move you forward in healing. Sometimes, new surroundings can be uncomfortable, but I wouldn’t wish it any other way. So no, it was not a quick fix, but now that I have hindsight, it was fantastic for me in so many ways, and I feel so much more confident and stronger than I used to. I’m grateful every day that I chose to study abroad! 

Editor’s note:  

Planning for potential challenges is essential! Studying abroad can be a transformative experience, but it often comes with its own set of challenges, particularly for those with mental health concerns like OCD. As the author of this blog describes, navigating a new environment, language, and cultural norms in Italy brought significant struggles but also led to unexpected growth and healing.  

Studying abroad is not a quick fix but an opportunity for personal development. We encourage students to discuss their study abroad plans with their treating mental health providers to understand what (if any) remote support may be available during their time abroad. Students should keep in mind that not all mental health providers in the U.S. will be able to continue treatment remotely due to licensing restrictions or time zone/scheduling challenges. Students can connect with CEA CAPA’s Health and Safety team during pre-departure to discuss mental health needs or concerns. Our onsite staff can also provide support and help connect students with local mental health resources. The more prepared you are, the greater your chances of having a fulfilling and enriching experience abroad.