Okay, here's some background information for you guys. About a year ago I moved to Chicago from Finland, leaving my immediate family behind. At that time I had a full time nannying position, which later turned into a part time one, and this summer it's been just scattered hours. I started college last January, and started receiving some financial aid, but needless to say I'm not exactly loaded with money. I've been looking for a job here but so far no luck. My actual problem is that I'm feeling really homesick right now. I haven't been to Finland since January, and if I'm extremely lucky I'll be able to go in August, but it's looking more and more unlikely with my financial situation, and even if I do get a job, I don't know how much time off I could conceivably get. And the homesickness gets worse every time I'm in contact with them. I just got off a hour and a half Skype call with them (the first one in over a month), and I'm really fighting off tears right now (a battle I'm extremely close to losing). I feel awful for not being in regular contact with them, but I feel like crap after every time I talk/e-mail with them. And it's not anything they do or say either, it's just this overwhelming feeling of guilt and missing them and powerlessness over my situation, and I don't know how to cope with it. Anyone else been through this?
If you can't go to them, why not see if they could visit you? If that doesn't work, just keep in contact with them more, like once a week. Do they have Facebook? If so, add them on there. Also, if you don't like feeling guilty or sad over it, simply do something to distract yourself, such as keeping yourself busy.
Yes, a couple of years ago I moved across country from N.D. to Texas, and I lost all my friends, my school, my girlfriend, and more. I missed home so much, I threatened to run away and take a bus back if we didn't move back. (It didn't happen.)
Flights for all four of them would be closer to $4000, and they're not that much better off than I am (my mom recently lost her job), so it's a lot simpler for me to be the one travelling. That's kind of the problem. Being in contact with them is what gets me feeling homesick, so I don't know how to deal with that. And distracting myself is practically all I do, and I'm getting tired of running away from everything...
See if you can video chat with them. Seeing them will hopefully bring you smiles. Also, are there any other Finnish people in Chicago you can hang out with? Maybe you'll feel like you're in Finland when you're with them.
Perhaps if you keep in contact with them on a more regular basis, such as once a week, the feeling won't be as bad.
I've Skyped with them a lot, and when I'm talking with them I feel fine, but afterwards I feel awful... I don't really miss Finland so much (even though I loved it there), it's more my family that I'm missing...
Perhaps having longer chats more often would help...Other than that I'm afraid all I can suggest is trying to stay strong and remember that you may be able to see them soon :) I really hope you feel better
It'll pass. I know it's not quite a solution but there is really nothing better to do but wait and stay positive. There is medication you could take apparently, but I wouldn't suggest doing it as it might ultimately add to the anxiety. I've gotten homesick quite a few times before, and I really can't say anything else but "I'll pass". It's just how it is. Contrary to the others here, I really don't think that talking to them much more frequently is the right thing to do, because it'll make you want to be with them more. I'm not telling you to cut off all contact with them, because that's just horrible. I would find the right balance and talk to them every one or two weeks. It does help to think that you'll see them again eventually. I understand that it won't too soon for you, but there is nothing you can do about it. If you're low on cash, then it might not be the best idea to travel to them. But you will see them again, and that makes everything better trust me. Just try to keep a positive attitude about things, and distracting yourself helps too. Don't let the anxiety of homesickness get to you Maddie because it'll lead to much worse. Wouldn't want to worry your parents. You're doing a good thing in Chicago and that's what matters at this point.
