Homesick? Coping strategies are fun, healthy
Rhonda Harris-Scott
Health Columnist
As new students enter the campus and returning students dive into their school work, students may have one common feeling: homesickness.
Being homesick or having separation anxiety is not just psychological. The stress associated with being homesick can lead to a variety of physical findings including but not limited to: heart palpitations, increased susceptibility to illness (colds and flu), fatigue, headaches, muscle tension and nausea. Aside from these things, a new student can get a terrible case of depression or “the blues” as well as experience a lack of motivation that could ultimately affect their studies.
These feelings of homesickness can stem from a wide variety of things. You may miss the comfort of home, your friends or family. You may be afraid to meet new people, face the challenges of college or feel uneasy about living with new people. If so, you are not alone. Most students may feel a sense of homesickness at some point in their lives. This feeling may last for one day or even several months.When dealing with this situation, you should first acknowledge that there is some sort of problem.
Once you realize that you have a problem, you will have to figure out how you are going to handle it in a mature manner. A support system should be set up immediately. Find someone to talk to, whether it is a relative, roommate, RA, counselor, friend or other campus official.
Then get involved on campus. There are many clubs, organizations and special interest groups that are a great way to meet new people. Do things you have interest in and stay busy to take your mind off of your feelings of loneliness.
You can call or email your family and friends back home to talk about your feelings. Even though there is no place like home, you can do a lot to make your surroundings feel more comfortable. Hang up photos of your parents, friends and events that you were involved in that bring back happy feelings. Post spiritual, inspirational and motivational sayings around your room so that you can be reminded daily that you are loved, missed and being supported.
Get involved in the Malibu community, find a hobby, exercise, go to the beach and relax, or find a weekend that you can go home for a short visit. Just do something positive!
I would encourage you not to indulge in risky behaviors (alcohol or drug use, new intimate relationships), bad habits (over-eating, lack of activity, staying up late, smoking) and not to let peer pressure get the best of you. None of these options will help you gain confidence, overcome you feelings of inadequacy or make you feel better in the long run.
You should know that each person is different. But here at Pepperdine University, we are a family and you have options. If you feel that you are not being successful in handling your situation, make an appointment to speak to someone in the Student Counseling Center or the Student Health Promotions office. If you are experiencing physical symptoms you can make an appointment to visit the Student Health Center.
— Rhonda Harris-Scott is the Wellness and Health Promotion Coordinator
09-09-2004