Homesickness hits hard when you’re far away from home, especially for the first time. It's more than just missing home; it’s a deep, gut-wrenching feeling of longing for comfort, security, and the familiar environment of the house, leading to the arousal of several emotions. Who knew you’d miss your mom’s nagging about cleaning your room?
With colleges just starting, it become very apparent in the last few days how many students are moving away from home and having a difficult time with this transition. Even though I’m not living away from home, I've had conversations with a couple of my friends who are, and it helped me understand the mental health challenges that are associated with it, also making me realize how much I’ve been taking for granted living at home. They’ve shared struggles relating to adjusting to new routines, feeling out of place, and missing the support system back home.
One of my friends who’s staying away from home said that it’s often disregarded by people saying things like, “Just live with it; it will get better.” in reality, the change, so drastic, can take a really long time to adjust to. They said they felt like they were in a completely different world and like an untreated wound, making them more vulnerable to loneliness and anxiety. It’s like all their comfort has been taken away, and they have to figure out everything on their own, feeling belittled or even worthless. In most cases, they lose control over their own self; sometimes, they even mask their feelings as it's seen as “uncool” to be homesick.
This masking is instead temporary cause, for some time or the other, you will have to deal with your emotions. Feeling homesick is not a sign of weakness; it’s a sign that you understand yourself better and value what you have; it’s okay to cry sometimes, it’s okay to rant about it, and you need to release the tension somehow before it worsens.
Some of the ways s deals with it are through friends. Finding like-minded people and spending time with them helps her feel better. Investing in self-growth and having a good mindset no longer makes you feel sick. Finding joy in the little things and accomplishments. One of the significant aspects is practicing gratitude and thanking the universe for what we have.
Another friend mentioned how being away from home for the first time has made them appreciate and respect all the little things their parents used to do for them. They now realize the value of those everyday gestures and support that once went unnoticed.
A friend said, “Whenever I feel any negative emotions like sadness or anxiety, the first thought that comes to my mind is how I miss being home. The same goes for good things; when I feel proud or happy about something, I also feel a positive sense of homesickness.” This made me realize mental health and homesickness are deeply connected.
Some people might have trouble sleeping, which only adds to their stress and anxiety. Creating a bedtime routine and finding small comforts like listening to calming music has helped. Loneliness has also been a big issue, and joining clubs or volunteering has provided some relief by helping them meet new people and feel a sense of purpose. Introverts may find reaching out for help or making new friends challenging, feeling alone. They can cope by engaging in solo activities they enjoy, such as reading or drawing, and slowly pushing themselves to attend social events.
There is also the difficulty of dealing with these feelings while their friends, who are of the same age, also struggle with similar issues, making it hard to find reliable support or guidance. They find solace in small, comforting rituals like cooking a favorite meal from home or watching a beloved movie.
Tips to manage homesickness
Staying Connected: Regular chats with family and friends will make you feel more comfortable, and the fact that you will be aware of what is happening at home also makes you feel more included. And hey! don’t just call them for money.
Create a Home-like environment: Make your new place feel like home with photos, decorations, and items that make you feel at home. This will make the transition easier. Pro tip-A blanket fort always does wonders
Stay Active: Physical activity is excellent for dealing with stress and boosting mood. Go for a walk, hit the gym, or join a sports team. There are so many options out there. Honestly, even chasing after the bus every morning should count as exercise.
Hearing my friends' experiences has made me more empathetic and aware of their challenges. Homesickness is a natural everyday experience but doesn’t have to derail your journey. By understanding its impact on mental health and implementing strategies to manage it, we can navigate this challenging transition and build a fulfilling life away from home. Remember, it’s okay to miss home, but taking steps to cope with homesickness can make a significant difference in your mental well-being and overall experience.
-Nidhi Jain
very detailed explanations