Homesickness is silver - wanderlust is gold

Surprised by homesickness

Finally! The Abi in the bag and get a study place. The feeling of freedom tingles you in the stomach, Everything you want is out into the wide world and enjoy life, Far from anything known. Far away from the boring daily routine. But when you finally pushed the parents out of your new room and waved away, a feeling of oppression climbed up in you. Something strangles your throat and spoils your first night alone. Alone! Yes exactly. Homesickness bothers you now.

"When I finally arrived in Hamburg, I never counted on homesickness, I was prepared for anything, but I did not want to feel at home suddenly," says Anni, 24 years old and a student of clothing technology, about her first homesick experience. The feeling of homesickness suffer many Erstis at study start in a new city. Most do not talk about it. Homesickness is considered uncool and childish. It is perfectly normal to be a bit melancholic with such a fundamental change, such as the move to a foreign city, and to miss the former home.

What is home-sickness anyway?

Homesickness has been known for centuries. The Swiss physician Johannes Hofer published his dissertation in 1688? Homesickness as illness ?. He saw the disease as a psycho-physiological consequence of a change of environment. Therefore, homesickness is still today as "Swiss disease"? designated. Whether homesickness is really a disease is still a hot topic today. Many physicians see homesickness more than a condition. Homesick sufferers usually suffer from loss of appetite and lack of drive, The homesick sufferer seems at home everything, from the food at Mama to the air at home, much better. Sometimes a mental illness can set in and grow into a small depression - for example, with soldiers or exiles in the foreign.

On the next page: What can I do against homesickness?

What can I do against homesickness?

The good thing is: homesickness can always be cured by returning home. However, that's not always the best solution. Especially with the beginning of a new phase of life, such as studying, it is advisable to be courageous and to perseverenot to hide. "I tried not to think too much about my homesickness and I went to the freshers days at the university where there were many others who were also alone and looking for friends," says Anni.

Each university offers Erstis a welcome program, The Asta or Student Council organizes meetings and activities. On the one hand, topics relating to studies are taken up there - because university life is very different from the one in school. On the other there are get-togethers and parties with other Erstis. Also, facilities such as university sports and non-specialist clubs and clubs (theater club, chess club, reading circle, choir, etc.) provide a place to meet new people.

And also homesickness has something good!

A psychology team from the University of Southampton found that homesickness can be found in all cultures and ages, and that Homesick a positive effect on mental health. In order to prove that, an artificial homesickness was generated in volunteers. The subjects then felt an increase in self-esteem and the feeling of being loved and protected.

The time with the family is less, but not less valuable. On the contrary.

Anni, too, has settled in Hamburg: "I feel at home now, I do not have much homesickness anymore, sometimes I'm still longing when I'm not with my parents for a long time, but my life is now in Hamburg. " A little homesickness is therefore part of every farewell, The feeling shows you that you have a home in the other place. And this home will stay with you until you do not need it anymore. Even beyond.

On the next page: The three golden rules against homesickness

This helps with homesickness

The three golden rules against homesick frustration:

Stop pondering:

As sad as you are, do not try to brood too much. Now begins a new phase of life and you have the chance to make new experiences. Use it!

deflection:

Do not spend the entire time on the phone! Practice yourself in a new sport or hobby. Learn chess or inline skating, do a climbing course, go dancing or visit the university theater group ... You can have fun and meet new people! It is your life! Your time!

courage:

Realize that your life is happening right here. Nowhere else! You can not change it now! Therefore, it is better to jump over your shadow and make the most of your life.