Homesickness Resources

Homesickness: What it is and how to cope with it

Missing home? This is completely common when moving to a new place for work, school, or other reasons. If you feel homesick, just know you are not alone.

What is homesickness?

Feeling homesick is a complex blend of emotions that arises when one departs from the familiar comforts of home and enters into a new, unfamiliar environment. It often manifests as a profound yearning for the familiar and can lead to feelings of sadness or melancholy. This transition may disrupt one's accustomed way of life.

Common signs of homesickness include:

  • Persistent thoughts about one's past life
  • Longing for the presence of family and friends
  • Feelings of depression or anxiety
  • A tendency to withdraw from social interactions
  • Difficulty concentrating on tasks or responsibilities.

It's important to recognize that homesickness is a prevalent experience, affecting anywhere from half to three-quarters of individuals at some point in their lives. For a minority, around 1 in 10, these feelings may persist for an extended period.

While acknowledging and discussing homesickness may initially seem daunting or embarrassing, it's often the most effective approach to overcoming it. Sharing your feelings with a trusted confidant can provide much-needed support and help facilitate the adjustment process.

Signs of Homesickness

Homesickness manifests in a variety of physical, mental, behavioral, and emotional indicators. These symptoms may vary in intensity and not all may be present.

Physical:

  • Loss of appetite
  • Disrupted sleep patterns
  • Stomach issues such as diarrhea
  • Headaches
  • Profound fatigue
  • Reduced energy levels

Mental:

  • Persistent longing for home
  • Intrusive thoughts about home
  • Negative perceptions of the new environment
  • Forgetfulness
  • Lack of enthusiasm for activities

Behavioral:

  • Avoidance of physical exertion
  • Evading responsibilities
  • Seeking attention
  • Emotional:

Feeling of sadness or depression:

  • Sense of insecurity or lack of control
  • Nervousness
  • Loneliness

While homesickness symptoms typically diminish over time, occasional bouts of missing home are normal. These feelings may intensify during quieter moments, such as waking up or going to bed, or while engaged in solitary activities like reading or listening to music.

Ways to cope with homesickness

Feeling homesick? Here are some ways to lift your spirits:

Embrace New Experiences: Dance into the unknown! Meeting fresh faces and trying different activities will gradually brighten your days.

List Your Reasons: Jot down why you made the move. Remind yourself of your aspirations and dreams. This list serves as a beacon of motivation, guiding you through the transition.

Home Is Always There: Remember, home isn't going anywhere. If homesickness becomes overwhelming, consider a visit. However, think twice before permanently returning; nostalgia tends to gloss over the struggles.

Connect with Loved Ones: Reach out to family and friends back home, but don't let it become a daily ritual. Balancing communication ensures you're not missing out on forging new bonds.

Stay Open-Minded: Your new country is a treasure trove of opportunities. Embrace the journey of meeting people and trying new things. Patience is key; change takes time.

Embrace Your Surroundings: Discover what makes your new environment unique. Building a connection with your surroundings fosters a sense of belonging and stability.

Recognize Signs of Depression: Distinguishing between homesickness and depression can be challenging. Look out for persistent sadness, lack of interest, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping or concentrating. If these symptoms persist, seeking professional help is crucial.

Let Yourself Be Homesick for a Bit: Experiencing homesickness doesn't indicate weakness, nor is it a reason for self-criticism. It's a common sentiment among many students. Viewing it as a source of guilt only exacerbates the situation. Allow yourself to feel homesick for a while. Shedding a few tears can be cathartic! However, set a boundary for your melancholy. Give yourself a day—just 24 hours—then reach out to your new friends and propose grabbing a coffee together.

Feeling homesick during college is tough, but it's a perfectly natural part of the journey. Be patient with yourself and remember to show yourself kindness along the way.