Culture Shock is the term used to describe the stress people experience when they find themselves in unfamiliar situations. It is an inevitable part of the process of adapting to a new culture, a completely normal response.

Signs of culture shock can be physical or psychological. Physical signs include sleep disturbances, menstrual problems, stomach ailments, over-eating or drinking, loss of appetite, pain with no organic cause, lack of energy.

Psychological signs include depression, groundless fears, irritability, apathy - characteristics which you know are not part of your or your family members’ usual selves.

Children may have difficulties at school, regress in their behaviour, become quiet and withdrawn, or at the other extreme, noisy and disruptive. Adults, especially non-working spouses, may find themselves staying home most of the time, developing fears about the new culture, and irritated by and critical of their surroundings.

Get a copy of Settling in Bangladesh and find out more about culture shock, and what to do about it!

This valuable book has everything about settling, shopping, and making friends in Bangladesh.