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2Īccording to Linda Serra Hagedorn, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus at Iowa State University, “The signs of homesickness are typically similar to those of depression. Homesick individuals may isolate and possibly turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms like alcohol, drugs, or gambling. Homesickness can affect many different areas of a person’s life, like their relationships and ability to function at work. Some may experience mild sadness that goes away rather quickly, while others may experience more significant anxiety or depression. Homesickness presents differently from person to person.
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5 If you’re dealing with homesickness, you may experience some or all of the following symptoms.Ĭommon emotional symptoms of homesickness are: 1Ĭommon physical symptoms of homesickness are: 2 While people may respond to homesickness differently, there are some common reactions. Symptoms mimic other mental health disorders like depression and anxiety, as well as physical conditions. What Happens in Our Minds & Bodies When We’re Homesick?įeeling homesick can affect you physically and emotionally. If that’s the case, a therapist can assess your symptoms, determine your diagnosis, and offer therapy to help you recover and adjust to your new environment. 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. In fact, mild homesickness that gradually decreases over time is normal and not cause for concern. Homesickness is not technically a mental health disorder. For example, one study found that people with a neurotic personality type were more likely to experience homesickness than those with other personality types. Most children, teens, and adults experience homesickness at some point in their lives to varying degrees, but some are more prone to it than others. 1,2,3 Some people may even feel homesick in anticipation of a future separation. 1 People may experience it following a temporary or permanent move, like relocating to a new area, going away to summer camp or college, or being hospitalized.
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Homesickness, which involves feelings of distress (could be emotional or physical), can happen when a person is separated from home and/or their loved ones.
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