Mental health care after a medical emergency abroad
A medical emergency abroad can take a mental toll, with stress and anxiety often lingering after physical recovery. In this blog, you discover why mental health care is essential and the steps you can take to support your recovery.
What does good mental health look like?
Feeling helpless and powerless in a high-stress situation can be traumatic, and although repatriation companies like EMS Air Ambulance & Medical Repatriation can help bring people home, the distress experienced before repatriation can have long-term consequences. It goes without saying that patients suffer in these situations, but the impact on family members or friends present with the patient is often significant. Whoever you are, it is important to recognise the signs and take steps to look after yourself.
If you have good mental health, quoting the charity Mind, you are able to:
- Feel relatively confident in yourself – you value and accept yourself and judge yourself on realistic and reasonable standards;
- Feel and express a range of emotions;
- Feel engaged with the world around you – you can build and maintain positive relationships with other people and feel you can contribute to the community you live in;
- Live and work productively;
- Cope with the stresses of daily life and manage times of change and uncertainty.
People who have experienced acute distress or trauma often find themselves suddenly struggling with some or all of these aspects of life.
One mother of a patient remembers:
“I wasn’t able to function in the same way as before. The smallest things would completely overwhelm me. I couldn’t shake the memories, and each time, it was as if I was reliving the fear, again and again. It affected my sleep, my physical health – without realising, I developed bruxism (jaw clenching/teeth grinding) to the point my gums became inflamed. I suppose, it was my body’s way of telling me that,although my daughter was safe now, something was still wrong.”
How can an emergency abroad affect my mental health?
An unexpected medical crisis in a foreign country can cause intense stress and anxiety. You may feel helpless, overwhelmed by language barriers, or uncertain about the medical care you’re receiving. Even after physical recovery, feelings of fear, panic, or emotional exhaustion can persist. This is a normal response to a traumatic experience, but it’s important to recognise signs of ongoing stress and seek support if needed.
Where can I get mental health support during or after a medical emergency abroad?
Do you want mental health support while you are abroad? There are many hospitals that have psychologist or that can refer you to English-speaking therapists. If you like, there are also platforms that offer online therapy sessions, like BetterHelp or Talkspace. It's also possible to get help after returning home. Your GP can refer you to specialised care. Some health insurance providers also offer online mental health consultations.
Whether your insurance cover mental health care depends on your policy. Some travel insurance plans cover psychological support following an emergency, others do not. Check whether your health insurance includes mental health
Steps to look after your mental wellbeing after a medical emergency abroad
1. Keep talking to those around you
Experiencing trauma can be very isolating. But talking about how you feel with people you trust can make a big difference. The people around you can offer you advice, and help you to feel listened to and less alone.
2. Give yourself time
Make sure you allow yourself enough time to get better. Don’t try to carry on as if nothing happened. Take a break from your normal responsibilities where you can, and ask for help with tasks that have become hard.
3. Look after your physical health
There is a strong connection between mental health and physical health. Making enough time for sleep, eating a healthy diet, and being physically active can have a positive impact on your mental health. In addition, being outdoors and enjoying nature can also help you to feel calmer. As much as you are able to, keep doing the things that normally energize you and bring you joy.
4. Understand any symptoms you might have
The World Health Organisation provides a list of symptoms to look out for what might indicate that your mental health is suffering. They include: physical symptoms, such as headaches, fatigue, loss of appetite, aches and pains; crying, sadness, grief; anxiety, fear; being on guard, or jumpy; insomnia, nightmares; irritability, anger; being confused, in a daze. It's completely normal to experience these feelings. Acknowledging these feelings is the first step towards recovery. If you notice these symptoms, it might be wise to talk to a professional.
5. Talk to a professional if necessary
Even if you aren’t sure whether your mental health is suffering, it’s a good idea to talk to your GP after a traumatic experience, like a medical emergency abroad. They will be able to listen to you and are well placed to offer advice and/or put you in touch with the best help available in your area.
Arrange the right care after you get home
The first step is to schedule an appointment with your GP to discuss any lingering stress, anxiety, or trauma symptoms. They can assess your condition and refer you to the appropriate mental health services if needed. If your experience has had a significant emotional impact, consider seeking specialist help, as some therapists focus specifically on trauma related to medical emergencies. Finally, keep track of your mental wellbeing over time—if you notice ongoing stress, mood changes, or difficulty coping, don’t hesitate to seek professional support. Prioritising your mental health is just as important as physical recovery.
