I moved to a different country. It is impossible to overestimate how hard that is.

The main mistake I made: not keeping in regular contact with all my family and real friends in my home country. Instead I made a "new start", like I was now going to be a better me, not have the flaws I had in my home country. Big mistake!

I doubt you're as misguided as I was. But I really underestimated how stressful it is to have to think while I speak, rather than just open my mouth and speak freely. Even when it's not a new language, it's a new culture. So it's not the same, it just isn't.

I moved for emotional reasons, so it wasn't exactly a mistake. But I really, really miss my home country even though I was miserable there, and have a fuller, more fulfilling life here.

All I'm saying, in other words, is that moving countries raises conflicts. Conflicts cause (in people who, like me, are predisposed) depression and anxiety.

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