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titleHome is where the heart is

subject date15-03-2021

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caption98 DOLLY DOLLY.COM.AU WORDS MILLIE CHANDLER PHOTOGRAPHY PAUL SUESSE STYLING AND ILLUSTRATION CRYSTAL OSBORN * NAME HAS BEEN CHANGED Home is where the heart is Feeling sad when you’re not crashing in your own bed? You might have a case of homesickness. WHAT IT FEELS LIKE Most teens long for home at some point – whether it’s at your first sleepover or away on school camp. But when you’re suffering from full-blown homesickness, the thought of not being at home can send you into major meltdown mode. “Familiar surroundings, people and routines offer us a sense of security, and without it, some people may feel lonely and sad,” says Jonathan Nicholas, CEO of Inspire Foundation, the organisation behind ReachOut.com. That’s exactly how Suzie, 15, felt when she was given the opportunity to sing interstate with her school choir. “I spent the whole three days worried sick about my mum, dad and sisters,” she explains. “I felt that if something bad happened, I would be too far away to help, and a thousand other irrational thoughts. My teachers were so worried about me because I kept calling home.” Jonathan points out that in Suzie’s case, she was also feeling anxious, which is common in people who miss home. “Being homesick can make you restless and irritated because you’re constantly uneasy that things back home aren’t as they should be,” he says. “If these thoughts stay with you for an extended period of time or stop you doing things you would otherwise enjoy, then it’s important to get help. ReachOut.com is an easy first step in this regard.” Chloe, 16, is also no stranger to the crippling effects of homesickness. “My parents are divorced and during school holidays I have to go and stay at my dad’s place,” she says. “In the beginning I felt sick on the way over there and would cry myself to sleep. I felt so bad because I love my dad, but I missed my mum, m

id169428710233090

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file namedo1304-do0413p099.jpg

titleHome is where the heart is

subject date15-03-2021

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captionWORDS MILLIE CHANDLER PHOTOGRAPHY PAUL SUESSE STYLING AND ILLUSTRATION CRYSTAL OSBORN * NAME HAS BEEN CHANGED KNOW THE SYMPTOMS Worried you might be a homesickness sufferer? Here’s what to look out for: Experiencing negative emotions in a new situation. Feeling isolated. Fatigue. Depression. Feelings of loss. Becoming socially withdrawn. Thinking about nothing but home. Sleep disturbances. HOMESICKNESS, BE GONE Like Chloe, people suffering from homesickness tend to feel at war with their surroundings and often resist change, which only feeds into the homesickness more. Jonathan’s advice? “As hard as it is, stick at it. Stay focused on the present and really try to make the best of the situation,” he says. “When you do get home, you’ll more than likely regret being miserable.” Jessie is now doing just that and has started really enjoying her life as a boarder. “I still get little pangs of homesickness every now and then, but I remind myself that I can either indulge in it and make myself miserable, or I can keep myself busy and move past it,” she says. Similarly, Chloe has been trying hard to accept that her dad’s place is a new kind of home and she’s filled it with her fave posters and photos of friends to make it feel more familiar. If you know you’re prone to getting homesick, Jonathan shares some of his best tips for beating it: Take some of your favourite pictures and treasured items from home to make the environment feel more familiar. Suss out where the local shops and parks are in your new environment. It will make you feel a little bit more in control of the situation once you know your whereabouts. Find a relaxation technique that suits you, like deep breat hing, going for a walk or listening to some chill music. Got a favourite DVD? Take it with you. That way, you’ll know there’s something special to look forward to when you get