Dealing with loneliness in Mauritius

1. FIND OUT WHAT IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOU?

Settling into an unknown territory comes with many tiring demands. From making new friends, to finding a new home and learning a new language, it is easy to get overwhelmed by it all. Take a moment to ask yourself, who you are first. Are you easily adaptable when travelling? What is your purpose beyond academics and career? Are you an introvert or an extrovert? With these questions will come a basic understanding of what you want from life in general, and so you will start to see your environment with a unique lens of self-understanding.

2. KEEP YOURSELF AWAY FROM VICTIMHOOD

The above statement can mean a lot of things. In a foreign country, it is possible to be a victim of crime, racial tension, difficult weather, difficult landlords or bosses, but more relevantly; loneliness. We may not recognise when we get into our ‘victim-mode'. But, we do from time to time find ourselves in the land of ‘victimhood'. It's like a temporary holiday destination that we can use to escape from our troubles.

When things are uncomfortable, refusing to be ‘resourceful' is a good way to become a victim. Slowly we become complaining and crave an easier time that doesn't exist yet.

Accepting that you are uncomfortable and in a difficult place is a step towards getting help.

Help can be available in many forms. If you are chronically lonely, homesick or say, even depressed; getting help from a university counselor is a good starting point. Keeping in regular contact with your loved ones from home, seeking the company of people who discourage ‘victim-mode', and understanding that no situation is ever permanent, will speed up your recovery and get you on track with your life.

3. FIGURE OUT HOW YOU LIKE TO SOCIALISE

Introverts are people who draw energy from solitude, whereas extroverts are people who draw their energy mostly in the company of others. Understanding where you gain most of your energy will give you a list of resources to help deal with loneliness.

If you're an extrovert; joining Meetup groups of like-minded individuals or finding the hottest night clubs, university clubs and social activities, can help fill your social calendar nicely.

Humans are social beings, no matter their dominant energy. Even introverts need people at times, but they understand well that solitude and loneliness are not the same thing! If you like spending your free time by yourself; a good book, the art of learning a new cuisine, exploring foreign cinema or just wandering the city by yourself or with a new close friend from university can be very fulfilling.

4. REALISE THAT PEOPLE ARE THE SAME EVERYWHERE

There is a popular saying, “Magic happens outside your comfort zone.” This is very true, but when you find yourself in a new cultural set-up you will discover something that is very comforting indeed – people everywhere in the world, no matter their race, colour, language, sexual orientation, religion and lifestyle are governed by the very same principles of fear, protection, compassion, forgiveness, gratitude, jealousy, affection, kindness, and above all, love. So, it is up to us to recognise our common ground and connect deeply with anyone, no matter who they are or where they come from.

5. FIGURE OUT WHAT YOU CAN OFFER PEOPLE

Being an international student comes with the prospect of having limited resources. But, even in such situations, you should take a moment to ask yourself what you can offer the community around you. After all, why must this life-changing adjustment of yours be a one-way street?

Loneliness comes from the feeling that we alone are trapped somehow. But, you will find that there are always people around you who need more help than you do. Getting involved with local communities and support groups, starting from your university, will expose you to the reality of the world. Offering your time and resources to others can bring you a great sense of fulfillment. You might even be paid to help at some places.

You could be good at gardening, or able to cook large batches of food one night of the week at a local support group, or even be able to write articles that help people combat loneliness. Anything you do to help others will bring you closer to helping yourself and finding your place in the world.

Hello, I carefully read your review about the feeling that each of us can feel inside when you dive into solitude. But the real answer you can find in your reaction not to be trapped in solitude. Everything he wrote Amrinder, it's all true, actually, our ability to make friends, very often, goes beyond all expectations. For example, in my period of life lived in Maurice, where I ran in the diving center, I got to know people who have opened up new knowledge to me in various fields of interest that have opened up a real social life in me where I met people interesting inserted in the Mauritian society that carry out activities different from the politician to the bank employee or the one who works at the PMO ... I believe that solitude can be our mistress only if we allow it to suffocate us. I give advice to those who want to move to Maurice: Attend places where people are sociable and kind and in these people seek friendship. The rest will come by itself.
Antonino

im pretty lonely here as a South African .......

@DiannaR hi 👋

@DiannaR you can make Good friends around

Hello everyone,

@ Dianna, feel free to contact members : https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=1021637

And join in our next networking meetup (I don't have the date or venue yet, but they will be posted in due time). We will let you know.

Regards

Bhavna

@amrinder1188 very good & wise answer imo. Worth considering. 

@audreycharlette

thank you

@Bhavna

Thank you I will do so

@audreycharlette

Hi Audrey

@DiannaR

If ever that may be of interest to you, join the MBN (Mauritius Business Network) It is run by a South African lady.

Also join some local NGOs or social platforms, there are hundreds of them in Mauritius.

It would be great if you share your areas of interests or work so members can guide you or advise according to their experiences.

Cheers,

David

@DiannaR I can't see why..therte are so many South Africans in MU.