[henrydavidtherobot]

I would appreciate any advice on how to keep myself stable.

I'm a high functioning BPD. My biggest issues with that is mood instability, interpersonal problems, and impulsivity. I had some issues when I traveled abroad, but I think that it will be different now because I am diagnosed with BPD and have made progress. I won't be drinking overseas until I have been there for a while. I am also diagnosed with a mild bi polar disorder, but I can keep myself in check if I watch my alcohol intake and get enough sleep. I do struggle with anxiety disorders, but I can typically work through my episodes. My mental health has made my life harder, but has never kept me back from doing what I want to do. I hope that this trip will help me grow into a stronger woman.

Any advice would be helpful. Please leave any discouragement at the door.

Wow! That's so cool! I hope you have a wonderful time.

I think I would suggest reminding yourself it is a big change and not to be too hard on yourself. If this is not your first trip to Asia then you know how incredibly different it is from the west. The pace is different. The crowdedness is different. It is harder to translate. Try to be observant and go with the flow for a while.

There have to be some expats around. Do you have fellow country folks to hang with? If not I would look for places with some westerners. You can take all the time you want to explore deep china but when you first get there it might be helpful to meet some people who have been there and have some connection. If you can't find anybody take an English speaking tour. I have done this when traveling alone and for a few hours you can chat with some westerners. It takes a lot of energy to be in a strange place so that may give you a break for a couple hours.

Skype some friends back home. No sure if you can get Facebook. In Vietnam iTunes was unavailable. If that's how you get your music load up. Will you have a laptop? I'd suggest putting an app on it that will hide your footprints when you are on the internet. Not that you have to be fearful but there may be a time when you'll want to access something from home. Of course you don't have to use it. Just have it.

Have a wonderful time. It sounds like you are well open to the adventure.

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[henrydavidtherobot]

It is my first trip to Asia. I studied in Prague before. I have been talking to expats online and have plans with one. The English speaking tour is a good idea. What did you do in Vietnam?

Tourist. We traveled from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh. It was wonderful. It was very guided but I did get sick in Saigon, just in the morning, so I took the opportunity to wander the city by myself. That was great. Then we went to Angkor wat for a few days which was fascinating. I haven't even been to Europe! Prague is one othe cities at the top. I love the history. One of my all time favorite artists is from that area.

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[Fresia]

I hope you have a fantastic time. It is a fascinating place.

All good suggestions above. I would also add that in having moved a lot around the world, a number one priority for me has always been to find a western physician and providers in my locale, so I have someone to go to in an emergency and for regular care and support. Ask ex-pats that you meet to try to establish this as soon as you get there that way if you need anything you are all set for support.

Wishing you all the best. Have fun and take good care.

[penguinsing]

Going to China: what part of China? to work ? or to travel ?
Travel in a group (customer of a tourism company I mean) ? or backpack etc with one or two friends ?
Is there will be a support net for daily life in China ?

These answers make a big difference to how will you experience and thus may affect how you feel.

China can be very different to where you live. I only worry if you cannot adapt, you may feel stress.

e.g. Traffic can be something very different to North America or Europe.
Something like: when a certain number of people is gathered together, then people will cross the road, and it's not necessary about the red/green light.

When you are traveling (apply to anywhere in the world) please buy insurance. And know where to seek medical help (trust worthy ones)

Find out the phone number of your country embassy in the city you are traveling to. Know the numbers, and let your friend/ family members know too.
And please photocopy your passport, one copy to a trust worthy friend/ family members (who is not travelling with you) and one copy you keep for yourself.
In case you lost your passport, the copy will be helpful.

[PoorPrincess]

Ni hao, henrydavidtherobot,

I wish you well, keep ear plugs always handy.

Living in China is fascinating as well as incredibly challenging.

I hope that you may keep us posted here. Best of luck to you.

[ToeJam]

Lived there for 4 years, self managing depression. Now this was almost 10 years back so things have probably changed. If there is anything I can give practical advice on (not really sure what to say MH wise... never sought support while out there) please feel free to pm me