Homesickness: where can I get help?
The single biggest cure for homesickness is talking about it. But, strangely some people seem to prefer to suffer than grab the easy solution.
There are two reason why people don't talk about homesickness. Firstly, they seem to believe there's a reason to be ashamed. Homesickness is a form of stress and stress is a normal reaction to challenging events. Stress is what helps you react to danger, but it can also have side effects. There's nothing childish about homesickness – it happens at any time of life and affects the butchest blokes and the most intrepid travellers.
Secondly, people just don't realise. Of course, they know all is not right with the universe, but homesickness? Surely not me. I mean, it's not like it's my first time away from home. It's not like I'm six. It's not like I'm not coping.
Understanding that a touch of the moody blues may be part of something bigger or may have a specific cause can be half the battle. It means you can take evasive action – whether it's getting out more or getting help.
Whatever you do – don’t feel you have to struggle on without asking for help. Even if it's nothing more than a phone call to a friend. Often just talking through something can help put things in perspective. Beyond this, universities offer advice and support, although the amount and type vary enormously from university to university. For more about general welfare, read on...
In the meantime, these are some of the avenues you might try:
- University counsellors. As a far too general rule, these are professionals employed by the university to deal with sticky situations that require specialist help.
- GPs, therapists and psychiatrists - some universities have their own dedicated practices on campus or near one of their sites, and can put you in touch with professional therapists or psychiatrists.
- Personal tutors, departmental tutors and mentors. In theory, personal tutors are the first contact point for students throughout their university career. Often though, these tutors don't have training (although some universities insist they do) and, apart from an evening in freshers week when students are invited to meet their personal tutor, drink cheap wine from plastic cups and chat awkwardly, many don’t have any further contact.
- Nightline services. These are free, anonymous, confidential phone lines staffed by trained volunteers who can provide a friendly non-judgemental ear. Some have drop-in centres.
Beyond the university loop, try
The Samaritans or
National nightline for confidential advice. Or click here for
more welfare links.
Also in this section:
Homesickness: an intro
What is homesickness?
What can I do about it?
Last updated on: 15 July 2008