Returning to Ireland is a lot like emigrating and it can take time to adjust to being back home. Depending on where you have come back from and how long you have been away, you may even experience a culture shock on return. We asked 500 returned Irish emigrants what they did to help them adjust to being back in Ireland. Here are 5 things they recommend to help you settle back into life in Ireland:
- Have realistic expectations
- Do your research and be prepared
- Make the right choice for you and commit to it
- Some of your friends and family may have moved on
- It can take time to readjust
- Take things one step at a time
- Give yourself at least a year to settle in
- Sometimes planning a short trip back to the country you returned from can help
- Embrace change
- See it as a new start
- Enjoy getting to know the country again
- Try something new – join a club, take up a hobby, or even do a course
- Be prepared for the emotional impact
- Talk to others who have already done it
- Make a list of challenges and how you might respond to these
- Take time with the decision to return
- Reach out for support
- Talk to friends and family about how you are feeling
- Make time to connect with old and new friends
- See Yourmentalhealth.ie for lots of good tips on the little things you can do to look after your mental health
- Helplink Mental Health (www.helplink.ie) is a registered charity that provides a free counselling service online nationwide and internationally for Irish citizens living abroad and returning home. This service is available 7 days a week and out-of-hours. To contact email helplinksupport@helplink.ie or call 091 759887.
Want to find out more? You can also read about looking after yourself and your wellbeing on return.
