Be kind to yourself when you feel homesick Consider that some people feel lonely and isolated even in their own house, in their home country. It is a state of mind and it does not mean it is bad or that you need to go home. Remember, it is a temporary phase and it will pass.
Homesickness does not necessarily have anything to do with your home; it merely arises from suppressing change. It is a form of anxiety and depression that develops when someone is placed outside of their comfort zone. It is part of human nature to desire a familiar, comfortable, and secure environment.
Some may feel homesick for one weekend or one month. Some don't get homesick at all. For many students, feelings of homesickness typically subside after the first semester.
Research has even shown that homesickness is a kind of grief for a loss similar to mourning a breakup or death. You may even have pre-emptive homesickness, where you develop feelings of anxiety, loss, or obsession about home before you leave because you are anticipating the separation.
A sudden change in environment can cause homesickness in a wide variety of people. Because children's identities and sense of security are intimately tied to family and home, however, they are especially prone to homesickness.
No matter how old you are, it's normal to feel homesick when you are far away from home. Homesickness can feel different to different people. Some people may have frequent feelings of sadness and loneliness. Some people may cry often.
Doctors say that homesickness can have symptoms that are similar to depression, such as frequent crying, sleeping problems, difficulty concentrating, and withdrawal from society. In some cases, homesickness can even turn into depression itself. Grief.
According to the National Union of Students (NUS), while homesickness typically affects 50 to 70% of students during their first few months at university, most students' symptoms fade after their third week.
Give Yourself Time to Adjust
Researchers have found that homesickness can last anywhere from three weeks to more than a year. In one study, 94% of students reported experiencing homesickness at some point during their first 10 weeks of college. There's no quick fix to homesickness — it takes time and patience.
In fact, mild homesickness that gradually decreases over time is normal and not cause for concern. However, homesickness that is severe, persists for a long period of time, or significantly affects your life may indicate an underlying mental health issue like an anxiety disorder or depression.
When I am home and my brain is screaming “I want to go home,” it comes from a place of anxiety and depression. I want to go “home” which is a place (within myself) of comfort and peace. Sometimes it comes when I feel like I don't belong anywhere or when I am nervous about something.
Feeling homesick isn't a weakness, nor is it something to beat yourself up about. Missing home is something that affects most students. And you'll only make the situation worse if you think of it as something to feel guilty about.
Homesickness can feel different to different people. Some people may often feel sad and lonely and cry. Other people may find it hard to focus and work. Some people even have physical symptoms like frequent stomachaches or headaches.
Agoraphobia is a type of anxiety disorder. A person with agoraphobia is afraid to leave environments they know or consider to be safe. In severe cases, a person with agoraphobia considers their home to be the only safe environment. They may avoid leaving their home for days, months or even years.
No matter where you are on your university journey, it's important to understand that these feelings are entirely normal and you're not alone. Here, we provide some self-help tips to help you get back on track, and make the most of your uni experience.
Suggest playing games or doing your hair together.
You could also do your hair together or watch a movie. Being alone or not doing anything fun can make you more homesick, so try busying yourself with activities while bonding with your friends!
Both physical and mental symptoms of homesickness are pretty varied per person but, according to the National Union of Students, they can include difficulty sleeping, constant or frequent crying, changes in appetite, nausea, dizziness, headaches, depression, anxiety and a lack of concentration.
Well, disturbed sleep patterns, loss of appetite and continual crying will lead to health issues and headaches are one common problem you face. Loneliness, nausea, anger, and nervousness are few of the most common symptoms of homesickness.
Tell children that homesickness is normal, but that they can use strategies like writing letters home, sharing their feelings with other people, and thinking about all the good things that camp or school is giving them, to help ease their worry.