How to Cope When You're Feeling Homesick
Whether it's your first year of postsecondary or your
fourth, you may still feel a little down in the dumps when it's time to head
back to school. Moving away from home, your family and friends is a big
transition that can cause some people to feel sad and maybe even a little
depressed. The good news is that these feelings are typically temporary; once
you've had time to adjust to being back to school and living in a new place,
you're sure to feel more comfortable.
Here's a look at homesickness and what you can do to help
overcome these feelings faster.
Homesickness at a Glance
Everyone experiences homesickness differently, but some
common symptoms include:
1.
Thinking of home, your family, and your friends
often
2.
Feeling anxious
3.
Lacking motivation
4.
Feeling lonely and/or sad
5.
Withdrawing from other people
6.
Longing for someone from home
7.
Feeling irritable or negative
Some people confuse homesickness with depression, but a
person who is homesick will feel better when they return home for a visit,
while an individual who is dealing with depression will still feel depressed.
Overcoming Homesickness
If you're feeling homesick, it's important to remember that
often all that's needed to start feeling better is time. To help alleviate some
of the feelings associated with homesickness, try some of these tips:
1.
Talk to your family members and friends about
how you're feeling
2.
Set plans for visits home or schedule regular
phone calls with your family members or friends
3.
Decorate your room with pictures of people and
places from home
4.
Avoid hiding your feelings by partying
excessively, drinking, or taking drugs
5.
Try different activities to help alleviate
stress, including working out, joining a club, or practising deep breathing
6.
Remember that it's perfectly normal to feel
homesick and that the feeling won't last forever
Feel Satisfied with Your New Home Away
from Home
When it comes to avoiding or alleviating feelings of
homesickness, one thing that's key is to ensure you're living in a place you
really like. Leaving home to live in student
housing that doesn't feel safe or comfortable will only make you long
for home more. While there are many places to rent in London, Ontario, choosing
student housing like Residence on First, which has
a good reputation for supporting its residents and providing safe, comfortable
accommodations, is a great way to help keep those feelings at bay. Love where
you live and the adjustment period will be that much easier.
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