European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - November 24, 1991, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Getting Over the Over Here Bluesy . Kominicki senior staff writer feeling confused and apprehensive about a new life overseas is not Only Normal it can be helpful according to or. Raymond a. Sleszynski. A the anxiety drives us to adapt a said Sleszynski who Heads the psychiatry department at the Navy Hospital in Rota Spain. The anxiety will eventually go away he said a especially if you Are willing to experience pleasure and support in ways you Are not accustomed  Here arc the experts tips on successfully losing America. Watch for danger signs. Increased drinking or lasting depression May be hints that you re not getting Over the Over Hyrc blues. Done to be afraid to get help or advice from a Friend co worker or a professional if you need it. Accept being Here. Coming to grips with the Issue of Choice is also important according to or. Scott e. Borrilli a Berlin based psychologist. A sometimes we create More stress for ourselves Over directions we be taken because of this fantasy that we have no Choice when in almost All cases we do have a Choice we be made a Choice. That includes being in the military and coming to  take a Stab at the local language. Sure its hard sure it can be embarrassing but its the most important first step in settling in overseas. Or. Pamela Rosengard a clinical psychologist in Heidelberg Germany recommends taking off Post classes. That forces you to meet local residents and removes the shame of making mistakes in front of a class full of other americans. Jump into the culture. Find any possible Way to get off base and into the local Community. Have someone translate upcoming events listings in the local newspaper for example and attend those that interest you. Try attending an off Post religious service or an English language movie at a local theater. Local libraries especially those at universities arc open to the Public and arc often packed with English language material from newspapers to professional journals. If possible live off base. Take advantage of the american need to shop by patrolling local stores. Also try developing an interest in a european sport such As soccer or Rugby. Attending local games and matches will get you into the local culture and a if nothing else will give you something to talk about with local people next time you go to a fest a Rosengard said. Use the buddy system. Taking a spouse or Friend along gives you someone with whom to share your fears and anxiety. When in doubt do something. Getting involved in the local Community is Best but on base Active not an ice skating rink is at the Center of Houston a Multi Story galleria shopping mall which boasts about 350 stores More than 30 eating establishments and four movie screens. Tics arc better than vegetating alone. Getting involved in an activity that creates a commitment once a week is a Good idea. Try going to Church playing cards or Board games even watching a video and discussing it with friends on a regular basis. A that creates some stability a Rosengard said. A even if its with other Guys in the Barracks it does t matter. It becomes something stable something they can depend  watching an american football game once a week with a group of friends can work As Well. A watching the game takes the stress off having to have a conversation with each other a Rosengard said. A even if they re not great conversationalist they Are in communion with one  offer yourself. Elise Schubert who Heads the orientation program at Rumstein a Germany recommends inviting local citizens to american parties and other activities. A that Way you re Deal ing with the foreign culture but its on your own ground in ways you re familiar with a she said. Schubert stresses that orientation programs arc just that. A a they re just opening the door a Little Way a she said. A people have to have the courage to step through and keep on  gel settled first. People who take the time at the outset to Settle the mundane matters of pay and furniture car shipments and school registration get Olf to a better Start in language programs and cultural exchanges according to Schubert. Quot it s very difficult to learn a new language say if you re Worthing about your household shipment a she said. A moving Here has its own  the serv ices Are trying to ease the stress of an overseas move with a new computerized relocation service according to Donna Ray who Heads the family support office at army Headquarters in Heidelberg. Ray one of the innovators of families learning about Germany or , said the Page 6 a sunday november 24, 1991