How to deal with homesickness?

Are you starting this adventure for the first time? Is it a long-term program? If that is the  case, this is for you. 

Undertaking an adventure abroad of such a level always provokes a lot of illusion. However, while it is great to travel and get to know new places of the world, sometimes dealing with a new culture, a new language, and even other lifestyles can cause a lot of culture shocks. After the first few months, you will surely have become familiar with the new environment but, instead, the famous “Homesickness” will appear.

Homesickness is an emotional state that arises as a result of facing new situations and the nostalgia produced by being away from home. It is a completely natural mood that affects many people physically and emotionally. Those who suffer from this condition feel anxiety, sadness, nervousness, negative thoughts, need to isolate themselves socially, lack of appetite, fatigue or difficulty falling asleep, among others.

Revisar los aspectos positivos de estar en tu nuevo hogar, fijar algunas metas personales y mantenerse ocupado, hacer pequeñas escapadas de vez en cuando, conocer gente e, incluso, mantenerse en contacto con la familia son algunos de los puntos claves para lidiar con este sentimiento.  

Reviewing the positive aspects of being in your new home, setting some personal goals and keeping busy, making small getaways from time to time, meeting new people and even keeping in touch with family are some of the key points to deal with these feelings.

Text a foto: Sofia Díaz

Sofia je dobrovoľníčka programu Európsky zbor solidarity na projekte v zariadení Dom Rafael. Projekt bol podporený z programu EÚ Európsky zbor solidarity.