Unknown userMember
Dealing with homesickness as an immigrant
Hi everyone- I hope your week has been breezy. I’m a new peer support worker with SANE and I don’t know if you can tell by now that introductions are not one of my strengths. I can’t wait to connect with you all and bond over the fact that life sucks sometimes, and that’s okay. We’re not in the same boat but can definitely celebrate the small wins together and support each other whilst we wait for the storm to pass.
During my designated Instagram scrolling schedule yesterday, I felt like a ‘bad person’. My feed was inundated with videos and stories of the new international travel restrictions that have been lifted for Australians citizens and permanent residents. Videos of families being reunited brought up feelings of jealousy, grief and sadness for me. As much as I wanted to feel happy for others, I just ended up ugly crying to my friends, partner and family; I kept repeating- This is not fair.
As a visa holder, there is still a lot of uncertainty regarding when I can travel back to my home country. It’s been 2 years since I hugged my dear ones and it would be an understatement to say that nothing can fill that void.Whilst some days I am content and can fall back on gratitude and prayers, the Diwali season can be brutal. The month of November takes me back to a nostalgic trip- the smell of fresh flowers, rangolis, indian sweets, diyas, candles, festival lights, delicious food, hugs, love and laughter. Over the years, I have been fortunate to find my ‘little chosen family’ in Australia who have been nothing but supportive and provided me with a warm and safe space. I have realised that just like grief, homesickness comes in waves. I believe its one of those months where the waves are overpowering (hello Bondi Rescue!).
These couple of years have also been a process of realizing that feelings of grief, gratitude and happiness can exist at the same time. I can miss my dear ones and life back home and also feel proud of myself for building a life for myself from scratch in Australia. I can feel happy for people who can travel overseas and also feel anger and jealousy. I can bank on my self-care tool box and support systems when I need extra TLC and explore new possibilities of creating new rituals with my chosen family here.Until then, this too shall pass. FaceTime and WhatsApp group chats will suffice.
For those who can resonate, what are some strategies that help you cope with homesickness during the holiday season? Would love to hear 🙂
xxoo
