Can homesickness be an actual illness?

1. 96

   peeplesposted 9 years ago

   Can homesickness be an actual illness?
   
   Every time we return from vacation at my hometown I have a week of very bad depression. Happens ever year. I hate the town I live in and want to live back in my hometown. For a while I dismissed this as just basic homesickness, but I am starting to wonder if being homesick can have more serious mental consequences. Anyone know?

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2. 72

   dashingscorpioposted 9 years ago

   Not in the sense that a blood test could be run to determine whether or not someone has "homesickness".  You said:
   "I hate the town I live in and want to live back in my hometown."
   That does not sound like an illness or disease to me.
   The same would hold true if you were in long-distance relationship and each time after returning home you've after being with your significant other may cause you to be depressed.
   Frustration and depression are often the result of not getting what we want out of life. It's almost as if you had not gone home you'd be feeling better!
   Nevertheless if moving back would solve your "illness" all you and your family needs to do is make a plan for moving back by such and such date. Having a "light at the end of the tunnel" helps to keep us motivated.
   On the other hand if we believe something is impossible or never will happen the only alternative cure is to let go of that dream and replace it with another one. Most people leave their hometown for better opportunities. Maybe friends & family should visit you too!

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      ChristinSposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      excellent answer.  Sorry you are feeling so down Peeples .

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      peeplesposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks I was wondering more if it was considered a mental illness itself. Moving is not an option for 6 more years. So I just deal with it. I didn't leave by choice, but going back isn't a choice until 2 of my kids are grown. Thanks yall!

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   bravewarriorposted 9 years ago

   here's an interesting article addressing your question, peeples:
   
   http://mentalfloss.com/article/63304/ho … al-illness

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      peeplesposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks! I will have a read!

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4. 0

   farzanagmshaikhposted 9 years ago

   One practical way of getting rid of boredom and homesickness is by getting busy in some interesting activity.
   
   Spending some time in the backyard garden if you have one or tending to the potted plants, playing with children or cooking some favorite dish for the family are very effective in coming out of homesickness.

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5. 86

   peachpurpleposted 9 years ago

   nope, a person who missed home is dued to unable to adapt the new environment. Not a sickness

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6. 61

   Oliver Starkposted 9 years ago

   once you will start living in your hometown for a longer time span, you will start missing the town you are living in currently. Getting away from our daily routine is always fun and peaceful especially if you are visiting your hometown connecting with your original roots but a time will come when you will start missing your other life, which is way human brain is sometimes confusing.
   it is not an illness just that coming back to old routine after a vacation is always hard and depressing but eventually after few days it feels alright.

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      peeplesposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      You are probably right. My hubby said the same, If I went back there I might miss here. Thanks!

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      Oliver Starkposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      The pleasure is all mine

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   Ericdierkerposted 9 years ago

   Most assuredly the condition we call "homesickness" can elevate to a level where it interferes with our ability to function normally. Probably best viewed as a type of depression and treated along those lines.
   In my study of this condition for myself I found that when it is really looked at and analyzed it is a sort of melancholy. Really a very normal problem with leaving "how things were" or a "living in the past". We call it "home" sickness but it really is not about the place as much as about the past. Like saying goodbye to a lover or long time friend or mother. We miss the past and can unhealthily dwell on it and let it consume us. For me I miss the time when my elder kids were young. And I attach that to the house they grew up in. A visit there will trigger a sort of loneliness, but I get over it and appreciate and love the time with them now. I have had a great life and sometimes I want to go back to portions of it. Silly me?

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      peeplesposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      You are so right. Not the home but the times had there and the people I had them with. Always longing for the good times might make us miss the current ones though so I got to shake it!

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   tsmogposted 9 years ago

   Within the field of mental health depression is an illness and can also be chronic. An analogy is comparing having a tummy ache & having stomach cancer. An example is the Monday blues is considered depression, however usually short lived. Even when your favorite football team loses & you feel down that is a form of depression.
   
   Depression is simply a level(s) less than what is considered normal by you or statistically by the mental health field. It is natural to ride the wave of mild depression, normal, and mild elation. That is a normal cycle occurring even daily such as when a boss tells you something & it does not sit well with you. Agitation is a symptom or signal for depression.
   
   However, a good joke & one rebounds toward mild elation through humor and wa-la normal again. So, the period or time of recovery is the what for consideration & also the surrounding circumstances, environment, and any particulars seeking cause. Within the mental wellness fields they use what is known as the 5-Axis Diagnostic model for diagnosis as prescribed by the DSM-5 (Diagnostic Statistical Manual 5th Version).
   
   Sharing is I have had a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder since '86. That is moods ranging between clinical depression and mania. Besides the normal range there are sub-ranges or categories. The most effective therapeutic device is cognitive-behavior therapy that has had the greatest success with my experiences (inclusive of mild depression) along with Mindfulness practices. From my research and understanding those two are very effective for the mental wellness field too. I am medicated having cycles between mild depression / depression, normal, and hypomania. Sometimes mania too. Hence, I surf the waves said with a giggle + giggle. (Peaking at 5-6+ ft. waves)
   
   One thing to consider is those waves surfed. Consider when one is on vacation at a 'happier' place with self there is mild or greater elation. When one returns to a normal setting a normal mood is experienced. The obvious is normal is a level beneath mild or greater elation. One most certainly will feel depressed as it is a state of depression compared to the former state during vacation, which was mild or greater elation. At task is feelings or moods catching up with normal sort to speak. That is a normal experience of mood change. Of question is only the time of recovery where the normal of circumstances, environment & particulars and moods level out. Or, the waves being surfed return to peaks of 1-2 feet.

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      peeplesposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I am unmedicated Bipolar. Normally not an issue except you are right though I think being home sent me on a really high high causing a really low low. Still feeling it 5 days later. Thanks, I was worried it was something else. Probably isn't.

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      tsmogposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Maybe so peeples. When working I always planned my vacation with a weekend & Mon off before returning to work. The weekend off gave me time to breathe and time for fun at home. The Mon off because then I was not around the Mon Blues at work.

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9. 61

   NehaAshposted 9 years ago

   Well, I understand how you feel. I also faced the same when I was staying away from family for my graduation purpose, I came across the same situation..I tried to talk and mingled with people and I used to pray, exercise etc..Try something you always liked doing. Listen to your favorite songs, Talk with friends, Call and speak to your parents and family members,
   Smile always.
   Cultivate supportive relationships.
   Take care of yourself.
   Get regular exercise.
   Eat a healthy, mood-boosting diet.
   Watch movies.
   Concentrate on something which you liked most when you were in home.

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