Dealing with Homesickness
Homesickness occurs
when someone is having trouble adjusting to a new environment away from where
they usually live. It’s essentially a difficult coping process because we’ve
lost our normal access to the home environment, our family, and our friends.
Missing home, the place (your house),
the people (your family and friends), and the pets is absolutely normal.
Adjustments of learning how to cope in a new environment take time to develop.
Once you figure it out, that skill can provide you with practice and experience
in coping with moves or transitions later in life.
While it’s often quite
obvious when we’re experiencing it, homesickness can include symptoms such as:
- Loneliness
- Sadness
- Constantly thinking of home
- Low motivation
- Feelings of loss
- Nausea
- Sleep problems
- Headaches
- Change in appetite
- Palpitations
It’s important to show
yourself some compassion and understanding, and give yourself time to get used
to the new environment. Other things you can do to help yourself include:
- Getting adequate sleep
- Eating well
- Exercising
- Establishing a routine
- Getting involved with as many things
as you can
- Taking the time to explore (and
learn about) your new surroundings
- Keeping in touch with family and
friends
- Finding and reminding yourself of
the positives – your Job will bring.
- Keeping things like photos and
keepsakes close by
If
you find that after one or two weeks, you are still experiencing
homesickness, it would be beneficial to seek some help. You can take
support from the visiting counselor at your campus.
Dr Sangeetha Madhu , a clinical psychologist and Leadership expert & Shivani RK presenting articles related to well being, leadership/personal development, cognitive mastery, positive emotions, building resilience, and relationships.
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