Nostalgia syndrome is a form of sadness, a depressed mood or, in some cases, depression, which arises when you are in a new context
Last update: 30 March, 2019
Nostalgia syndrome embodies an emotional state that can involve sleep, appetite, concentration, and general health. It occurs when you are away from your family or any environment that guarantees comfort and from which you are separated.
In reality, nostalgia syndrome is a form of sadness, depressed mood or, in some cases, depression, which arises when you are in a new context.
It is a natural state of mind that manifests itself when facing new situations and nostalgia arises due to the lack of routine and affections.
positive nostalgia
Nostalgia can be positive in some cases. This is confirmed by a study conducted by the University of Southampton: "nostalgia produces positive feelings, increases self-esteem, promotes social relationships and alleviates existential anguish".
However, this feeling can be very unpleasant if we don't know how to manage it. In this article we will talk about everything you need to know about why it occurs and how to fight it.
The nostalgia syndrome
While it is possible to experience nostalgia at any age, younger people are usually more vulnerable to this syndrome. This happens for the following reasons:
- Children and adolescents they are not emotionally independent.
- Young people they haven't had many experiences in new situations.
However, people of all ages can suffer from nostalgia syndrome. So what are the symptoms?
Symptoms of nostalgia syndrome
Nostalgia syndrome can affect cognitive, behavioral, emotional and physical levels. Below, we enumerate the symptoms that occur in these four categories.
1. Cognitive level
- Constantly thinking about the place of origin.
- Negative and inadequate thoughts.
- Idealization of the homeland.
2. Behavioral level
- Loss of concentration.
- Frequent episodes of crying.
- Difficulty eating and sleeping.
- Isolation.
- Inability to create a pleasant routine.
3. Emotional level
- Sadness.
- Loneliness.
- Mood swings.
- Anger.
- Anxiety.
- Lack of energy or motivation.
4. Physical level
- Headache.
- Nausea.
- Dizziness.
- Muscle tension.
Five ways to deal with the nostalgia syndrome
As you can see, the symptoms of nostalgia syndrome can become very annoying. For this, below you will find five tips to deal with it.
1. Go out and explore
The more familiar you are with the new environment, the less it will cost you to adapt. We therefore advise you to participate in the activities that take place in the new city where you live. The sooner you begin to feel at home, the sooner the nostalgia disappears!
2. Maintain contact with your loved ones
Nowadays, there is a very wide range of contact methods for maintain communication and connect with friends and family. Even if you are abroad, these technologies allow you to call, send messages or make video calls.
When you feel alone, you can connect with them. With a simple call, you will see that the negative feelings you are experiencing will disappear instantly!
3. Carry out your hobbies
Living in another country does not mean forgetting your passions. For example, if you enjoy cycling or running and the weather permits, use your free time to do these activities, even if at first you don't know who to do it with.
On the other hand, practicing your hobbies can be a good way to meet new people. Thanks to the internet, there are a thousand ways to meet people with the same interests.
4. Limit the use of social media
If you wake up and the first thing you do is catch up on what friends and family are posting on social media, you will surely feel homesick.
It's better not knowing everything your friends post. Remember that to connect with the new city, you must at least partially disconnect from your previous life.
5. Positive attitude
Obviously the feeling of nostalgia includes many negative feelings. Nonetheless, don't allow sadness and malaise to control your mind. Bear in mind that this is a temporary phase and that things will improve as you get used to the new environment.
Thinking positively is one of the keys to succeeding. This will make it much easier to make new friends and be proactive. Positive moods prompt you to go out and actively seek contact with other people.
Finally, consider that if you have changed your lifestyle and moved away from your comfort zone, some time must pass before you get used to the change. We are sure you will succeed!
