Ep #103: Mental Health for Expats — Building Community Abroad with Moved With Peace

Summary of the Episode

What really happens after you move abroad and the honeymoon phase wears off?

In this episode of noseyAF, host Stephanie Graham sits down with writer and community-builder Stephanie Rubinato to talk honestly about mental health for expats, postpartum depression, and the emotional realities of building a life far from home. Living abroad is often portrayed as dreamy and effortless—but this conversation pulls back the curtain on what’s usually left out.

Stephanie shares her personal experience navigating postpartum depression after moving to Italy, the isolation many immigrants and expats feel, and why community care is just as important as cultural immersion. Together, they unpack slow living, creative burnout, friendship shifts, and what it really takes to build meaningful support systems abroad.

This episode is a grounding, honest reminder that moving overseas doesn’t magically solve everything—and that seeking help, sharing resources, and building community is part of the journey.

What We Talk About

(aka: the real stuff you don’t see on Instagram 🇮🇹)

Mental health challenges for immigrants, expats, and digital nomads
Postpartum depression while living abroad
The gap between “aesthetic expat life” and reality
Building community through Moved With Peace
Slow living, self-trust, and creative rhythms
Friendship shifts, boundaries, and nourishment
Why vulnerability is a form of survival (not weakness)

Chapters

00:08 – Introduction to the Guest

03:07 – Navigating Mental Health Challenges as an Expat

22:32 – Navigating the Creative Chaos

35:51 – Building Community Abroad

39:51 – Navigating Friendships and Family Dynamics

Things We Mentioned

Moved With Peace – Stephanie’s community-centered project for immigrants and expats

Therapy resources & finding culturally aligned mental health support abroad

Slow living, journaling, affirmations, and grounding practices

The upcoming Italian Reset Retreat (launching 2027)

All about… Stephanie Rubinato

You’re gonna love Stephanie Rubinato — she’s a writer, community-builder, and calm-in-the-chaos type of creative.

Stephanie Rubinato is a writer and content strategist living in Italy, creating honest, grounded stories through Moved With Peace and Stephanie Rubinato Media. Her work centers slow living, self-trust, mental health, and building community—especially for immigrants and expats navigating life far from home. Through her writing, video projects, and upcoming retreats, Stephanie reminds us that we don’t have to do it all—we just have to do what’s real.

Connect with Stephanie Rubinato

Instagram: @movedwithpeace

Website: movedwithpeace.com

YouTube: Moved With Peace

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