Homesickness is a nearly universal experience, yet its profound effects on the mind and body are often overlooked. As more Thais study, work, and travel abroad—or even just relocate within the country—the latest psychological research sheds new light on why homesickness matters, how it manifests physically and emotionally, and how Thai individuals can navigate this common struggle HuffPost.
Homesickness is not simply about a longing for family or food from home; psychologists explain it as a natural response to lost attachment and the instability of new surroundings. According to one clinical psychologist and public health professor at an American university, what we miss is less the specific details of home and more the comfort of the familiar, the predictable, and the safe. “We’re longing for something that in our minds is known, predictable, consistent and stable,” the professor explains. This sentiment echoes strongly with those who have moved from tight-knit Thai communities or family homes, even when seeking better opportunities elsewhere.
In the Thai context, this can be especially pronounced for students who leave their provinces to study in Bangkok or abroad, migrant workers who travel for employment, and even city dwellers who find rural life calling them back. A 2018 study of Thai university students identified key drivers of homesickness—including social isolation, lack of familiar routines, and, increasingly, separation from smartphones as a digital link to home and support networks ResearchGate.
What actually happens to the mind and body when someone is homesick? Experts liken the condition to a kind of psychological transition, sometimes compared to the feeling of grief. Symptoms frequently include depression, anxiety, insomnia, appetite changes, and difficulty focusing. From a physiological perspective, some report stomach discomfort, tension, shakiness, tearfulness, or a persistent sense of unease, all of which are traced to the body’s fight-or-flight response as it grapples with an unfamiliar and therefore potentially threatening environment. “It’s an evolutionary, adaptive thing that wires us to protect ourselves from danger,” the clinical psychologist points out—a reminder that the brain codes “home” as safety. When away, the amygdala—the brain’s alarm system—amplifies distress signals which can manifest throughout the body Wikipedia, WebMD.
Homesickness also brings both “anxiety bucket” and “grief bucket” symptoms. The anxiety bucket centers on stress and nervousness caused by the unfamiliar, while the grief bucket involves longing, sadness, and an almost obsessive preoccupation with what’s been left behind. This can play out in idealized memories: “We don’t say ‘I miss the smog’ or ‘I miss my mom yelling at me,’” notes the public health professor. “Instead, it’s ‘I miss the comfort of my room,’ ‘I miss my old friends,’ or ‘I miss the feeling of my neighborhood.’” For Thais, these nostalgic images often involve cherished tastes, religious rituals, dialects of the home province, and the warmth of community ties.
While homesickness is not considered a clinical disorder on its own, individuals who already struggle with depression or anxiety are at greater risk for severe symptoms. This is particularly relevant among Thai students who face culture shock abroad, as well as aging parents in rural provinces whose children have moved away for work—trends mirrored in Thailand’s rapid urbanization and the outflow of workers to foreign countries.
Adjusting to homesickness, experts say, is similar to easing into a cold swimming pool: the shock gives way to comfort with time. One psychologist recommends creating routines and seeking out familiar places, such as a favorite coffee shop or temple, as soon as possible, then slowly establishing new attachments. “Homesickness is part of a process, and there are things we can do to move through that adjustment curve and feel more in control,” advises a well-known author on anxiety.
Normalization and self-compassion are key in managing homesickness. “Tell yourself it’s OK and normal to feel this way; these bad feelings are temporary, and this is part of how change happens,” shares the clinical psychologist. Understanding that homesickness comes in waves can also help people anticipate and weather the storm. For example, a university counselor in Thailand suggests that students connect with friends from home but also challenge themselves to engage actively in new communities—whether through clubs, religious centers, or volunteer opportunities.
Distraction alone is not enough; meaningful engagement is crucial. “Instead of the proverbial ‘stay busy,’ I say ‘stay engaged’—whether that’s with school, your job, other people, the gym, your Buddhist center,” the professor recommends. Creating predictable routines can provide a sense of stability, crucial for those used to regular family meals, morning temple offerings, or weekly markets back home.
For Thai readers, these insights echo familiar experiences. Moving from Isan to Bangkok for university is not merely about logistics—it’s about re-rooting in new “soil.” Thai culture cherishes the sense of belonging, so the loss or absence of the “baan”—the home—carries emotional weight. There are also cultural remedies: communal meals, visiting local temples, continuing home customs in new environments, and making connections through language or food. Even technology can be a double-edged sword—while video calls and social media help maintain family ties, they can sometimes intensify longing.
New research from China and Germany suggests loneliness and homesickness are tied to unhealthy coping behaviors, including emotional eating, sleep disruption, and reduced psychological well-being PubMed. In Thailand, mental health authorities highlight the importance of early counseling and support networks. University mental health offices and community centers are increasingly aware of these risks and are developing workshops on resilience—some even rooted in Buddhist mindfulness.
Looking forward, as Thai society becomes ever more mobile, the challenge will be to support those in transition while harnessing the positive potential of adaptability and new attachment. For employers of migrant workers, educators, and policymakers, this means encouraging both the preservation of home identity and open engagement with new experiences.
In practical terms, Thais facing homesickness can take concrete steps: acknowledge the feeling without guilt, seek familiar surroundings or rituals in the new location, create and stick to routines, reach out for support (including counseling services, which are confidential and increasingly available across Thai universities and workplaces), and foster self-compassion—be your own best friend during times of adjustment.
Finally, families and friends back home can help not only by providing comfort but by encouraging loved ones to participate fully in their new communities. Compassion, both from self and others nearby, can ease the burden most.
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