Culture Shock Phase 2

LOST

A few years ago ABC television network launched a new TV series: LOST. A show about a group of people stranded on a mysterious island. A group literally LOST. The show gained popularity and continued for six years. Thankfully the 2nd Phase of Culture Shock does not last for six years.

We all know the feeling. You make a turn down a seemingly familiar street, or you miss a turn and suddenly you are LOST. You are disoriented and unsure of where you are or how to get back on track. Culture Shock Phase 2 is not different. You chose this jouney. You planned the trip. You paid the fees. You studied the country and now you feel totaly disoriented and unsure of what you are even doing there. You are LOST.

This is probably the most commonly recognized phase of Culture Shock. When I discuss Culture Shock with most people their minds immediately go to the things they expect not to like about their host culture. While this is only one of four phases, it can often times be the most painful.

For many team members this feeling of being LOST can bring out a variety of emotions. Anger. Fear. Frustration. Sadness. Loneliness. I know for me there is always a period of time on every overseas trip where I am totaly ready to find my way home. I usually want to withdraw from the rest of team and the work at hand. I feel LOST.

One of the greatest challenges of the LOST Phase is the sense and desire to isolate. For many, when going through this phase the tendancy is to avoid interaction with other team members and trip activities. This can be very negatively impactful to the work at hand. More importantly, isolation can prevent you from finding your back to a more enjoyable mental state.

Here’s a few tips that may help:

1. Verbally engage other team members. If your team has a nightly or morning debrief, engage in the process. Share your frustrations. Getting it out helps lessen the frustrations.
2. Verbally engage your host. The only way to begin to understand your host culture is to interact with it. Don’t let isolation seperate you from the culture.
3. Remain physically involved with the team activities. If you are touring a particular region, building an aquaponic system or hosting medical clinic, keep at it. Keeping your body moving will lead your heart in the right direction.
4. Get good rest. This can be the most difficult step depending on your accomodations. But as much as possible, rest. Go to bed early if you can. Take a short afternoon nap if your schedule permits. It is amazing what a good nights sleep can do for your emotions.

The LOST Phase is “lowest” emotional phase of Culture Shock. Everything else is up from here. If you will remain engaged and not isolate yourself, you will find the trail again. Remember, this is a only a phase. This too shall pass.