Working abroad opens many opportunities you can’t earn or experience in your home country. You can immerse yourself in different cultures, climates, people, languages, and, of course, a higher earning potential than what you used to earn at home. But, there’s a caveat, you need to cope with the homesickness and loneliness of being separated from your family — parents, siblings, and family. While there are no one-size-fits-all strategies, these tips aim to help you mitigate the effects of homesickness.
1. Acknowledge your feelings.
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Understand that it’s normal to miss home, and it will ebb and flow once you get your foothold in your host country. Recognizing that you’re not alone in this experience, you can address it more effectively.
2. Stay connected with your friends and family
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Take advantage of messenger apps and social media. Conduct video calls thousands of miles away as if you’re just talking from a town next to your hometown. Share your daily life and experiences.
3. Build a support network
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Get friends with fellow OFWs or locals. Engage with others who share similar experiences to deal with the feeling of isolation. Consider joining local Filipino social groups, and community events to meet new people. Your country’s embassy or consulate can establish an overseas outreach program geared toward OFWs welfare.
4. Explore your new environment
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Take time to explore your new surroundings to help you feel more at home in your host country. Visit local stores, parks, markets, new foods, and cultural centers. Know local and immigration laws to avoid anxieties and precarious situations.
5. Seek professional help
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If such a feeling of homesickness becomes overwhelming and leads to depression, it’s time to seek professional help. Many organizations offer mental health resources specifically for OFWs. Online counseling can provide coping and support strategies tailored to your needs and situation. Take medicines that are only prescribed by a competent medical professional.
For mental health support: DMW hotline: 8-722-1144 / 8-722-1155 which is available 24/7.
Journeys may be difficult ahead, but these strategies can help you make an enriching and fulfilling experience abroad, allowing you to thrive both personally and professionally.