The term homesickness is often associated with childhood – the emotional distress you felt the first time you went to a sleepover at a friend’s house, the fear that your family would forget you while you are away at summer camp, or just missing the comfort and familiarity of routine.
We likely have all experienced the universal feeling of homesickness at some point in our life. But did you know, homesickness can impact people of all ages and backgrounds? It is not uncommon for adults to grapple with similar feelings of longing for home. Whether you are a student leaving home for the first time, a travelling nomad, or someone who no longer lives in your childhood home, being away from familiar surroundings and loved ones can cause overwhelming discomfort, unease, and even negatively impact your mental health.
How do I know if I am homesick?
At its core, homesickness involves feelings of emotional or physical distress when separated from familiar environments and loved ones. It is characterized by a yearning for security and comfort associated with a specific place, person, or even memories. Symptoms of homesickness can include:
- Emotional Symptoms: Sadness, loneliness, and anxiety
- Physical Symptoms: Headaches, stomach aches, and sleep challenges
- Behavioural Symptoms: Lack of motivation, changes in eating habits, isolation, and withdrawal from social activities.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t worry! You are not alone! Homesickness is a normal response to change and can be a sign of how much you value connection and familiarity. However, if these symptoms become persistent and negatively impact your daily life, it may be time to learn some healthy coping strategies to improve your mental health.
Coping Strategies for Homesickness
Addressing homesickness begins with acknowledging and validating these emotions. By accepting your feelings as a natural response to change, you can begin to explore ways to cope and adapt. Consider trying the following:
- Create a Support Network: Building meaningful connections with friends, co-workers, or community members can help alleviate feelings of loneliness and foster a sense of belonging in a new environment. If this feels intimidating, I hear you! Start small by eating lunch with a colleague!
- Establish a New Routine: If you crave structure and familiarity, create stability through a daily routine. Embrace your new space by incorporating daily habits that bring you joy, or ones that remind you of back home.
- Engage in Self-Care: Prioritize your well-being through exercise, healthy eating, and good sleep hygiene. Small lifestyle changes that benefit your health can also help mitigate feelings of sadness, anxiety, and other physical symptoms of homesickness.
- Maintain Connections: Staying in touch with friends and family from your previous home can offer reassurance and a sense of connection. Get creative with this, perhaps schedule a video chat during dinner with your parents to feel like you are enjoying your meal with them.
- Explore Your New Environment: Embracing new experiences and engaging with your surroundings can foster a sense of connection to your new home. Consider seeking out places, activities, or groups that interest you. Join a run club, painting class, or check out that hike in the area.
Accessing Therapy
For some, homesickness may continue to persist. In these cases, seeking support from a mental health professional can be impactful. A therapist can provide a safe space to process emotions related to homesickness, teach coping strategies, and help you identify the underlying cause of your feelings. Here are some ways a therapist can help:
- Emotional Support: Therapists provide a safe, non-judgmental space to express feelings, concerns, and process emotions.
- Coping Strategies: Therapists can teach practical techniques to manage homesickness symptoms. For example, the incorporation of mindfulness activities or negative thought challenging interventions.
- Building Resilience: By focusing on your strengths and developing effective skills to help you adapt to a new environment, therapists can assist you in building resilience against new challenges.
Fortunately, accessing mental health services has become more convenient and accessible than ever! Contact Rebound Total Health today to book online counselling, telephone, or in-person sessions. Homesickness can be an emotional journey, but by implementing coping strategies and acknowledging your emotions, you can navigate this life transition and embrace your new environment with confidence and resilience! Reach out today for support!
Additional Resources:
Homesickness as a Student: https://jedfoundation.org/resource/how-to-deal-with-homesickness-in-college/
Understanding Homesickness: A Review of the Literature https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1255848.pdf