Monrovia - Post Report Question and Answers
Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
Mental health issues among expats are significant in Liberia. I would say it might only be more difficult in a place like Afghanistan, where there are also physical safety concerns. I know of many expats who couldn't handle it and left early. There is literally nothing to do aside from going to the beach, going to a bar, or surfing outside of town. It monsoons six months of the year (downpours literally every day and night). It is always hot and humid. The local cuisine is mostly inedible (think a bowl of pure palm oil with some potato greens and fish heads thrown in). There are no amenities and no natural wonders to explore except a waterfall and a small mountain on the edge of the country. Few things work properly, and nothing functions consistently. When I was there, Liberia had the highest visa overstay rate of any country, and that's because even Liberians don't want to be there. There was a billboard in Monrovia that stated "Liberia - it's not much, but it's all we've got." So if you have any adverse mental health tendencies, they will be greatly magnified in my opinion. - Oct 2021
There is no winter here. There is a rainy season but at least it is always warm. If you are not working this is a place of limited options. There are a few restaurants, few clubs, a movie and no café scene. Each person has to be responsible for their own stimulation. A few people do get lost in the internet but with a little effort there is enough to do, you just have to work at it. - Aug 2019
Wet season blue, as it rains a lot. - Aug 2019
Rainy season really gets to some people. Most resorts in the area are closed during this time and outdoor activity is very limited. - Aug 2019
The rainy season is long and very very wet, bring puzzles. - Nov 2017
