Being an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) or a family member left behind is tough. That longing for home, that ache in your heart – that’s homesickness. But don’t worry, there are ways to feel better. This article is packed with simple tips and tricks to help both OFWs and their families cope with being apart, making the distance feel a little less distant.
Understanding Homesickness: It’s More Than Just Missing Home
Homesickness isn’t just about wanting to be back in your old room or eating your mom’s adobo. It’s a mix of emotions – sadness, loneliness, anxiety, and even feeling a bit lost. For OFWs, it can be triggered by a completely new environment – different food, language, and customs. Adjusting to these can take time and energy, leaving you feeling drained and vulnerable to homesickness. For those back home, it can be the everyday reminders of your loved one’s absence – an empty chair at the dinner table, a quiet morning without their usual stories. These reminders can intensify feelings of loneliness and sadness.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) highlights the psychosocial challenges faced by migrant workers and their families, emphasizing the need for comprehensive support systems. Recognizing the feelings of homesickness is the first step towards effectively managing it. It’s important to acknowledge that it’s a normal reaction to a significant life change, rather than a sign of weakness.
Homesickness Hacks for OFWs: Building Your New Life While Staying Connected to Home
Okay, OFW ka, and homesickness is hitting harder than a jeepney horn in EDSA traffic. Here’s how to fight back:
1. Create a Home Away From Home
Your new place might not be exactly like home, but you can make it feel familiar. Put up pictures of your family and friends. Cook your favorite Filipino dishes (even if they don’t taste exactly like Mama’s!). Find a Filipino store nearby where you can buy familiar ingredients. Seek out other Filipinos in your area. Creating that connection gives you a community and a link to home. One OFW in Dubai, for example, turned her apartment into a mini-Philippines, complete with a flag, Filipino artwork, and even a karaoke machine!
2. Embrace Technology (But Don’t Let It Take Over)
Video calls are lifesavers! Schedule regular calls with your family. Seeing their faces and hearing their voices can instantly boost your mood. Use apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, or Viber. But remember, balance is key. Don’t spend all your time online. Step away from your phone or laptop and experience your new environment. Ironically, excessive screen time can actually worsen feelings of isolation so, engage with the real world too.
3. Explore Your New Environment
Don’t just stay cooped up in your apartment. Get out there and discover what your new city or country has to offer. Visit local parks, museums, and restaurants. Try new foods and learn about the local culture. The more you engage with your surroundings, the more you’ll feel like you belong. Plus, it will give you something exciting to talk about during your next video call with your family!
4. Find a Hobby or Join a Group
Keeping busy can help distract you from homesickness. Join a sports team, a book club, or a volunteer organization. Learn a new skill, like painting or playing a musical instrument. Find something you enjoy doing and that interests you. This will allow you to meet other people and expand your social circle. Many OFWs join Filipino community organizations abroad. These groups often organize events, celebrations, and support networks, offering a vital connection to home and helping to combat loneliness. This is a great way to meet fellow Filipinos!
5. Take Care of Yourself
This is super important! Eat healthy food, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly. When you’re feeling homesick, it’s easy to neglect your physical and mental health. But taking care of yourself can actually make you feel better prepared to handle the emotional challenges of being away from home. Aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night. Choose healthy meals with plenty of fruits and vegetables. Try to exercise for at least 30 minutes most days of the week.
6. Write Letters (Yes, Real Letters!)
In this digital age, writing a handwritten letter might seem old-fashioned, but it can be incredibly meaningful. It takes time and effort, and it shows your family that you’re thinking of them. Tell them about your life – the good, the bad, and the funny. Include small details that will make them feel connected to you. You can even send them small gifts or souvenirs along with your letters. They’ll surely enjoy a piece of home from your mail.
7. Set Realistic Expectations
Don’t expect to feel completely happy and adjusted right away. It takes time to adapt to a new environment. There will be good days and bad days. Accept that homesickness is a normal part of the process. Be patient with yourself and give yourself time to adjust. Don’t compare yourself to others who seem to be adjusting more quickly. Everyone processes things differently.
8. Seek Support When You Need It
It’s okay to ask for help. Talking to a friend, family member, or counselor can make a big difference. Don’t be afraid to share your feelings. There are also many online resources available for OFWs dealing with homesickness and culture shock. The Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in your host country can also provide assistance and support.
Homesickness Hacks for Families Left Behind: Strengthening Bonds Across the Miles
Being left behind while a family member works abroad can be just as challenging. Here’s how to cope:
1. Keep the Communication Lines Open
Regular communication is crucial. Schedule regular video calls, phone calls, or text message exchanges. Share your day-to-day activities, big and small. Talk about your successes and challenges. Even seemingly insignificant details can help your loved one feel connected to your life back home. Create a shared family calendar where everyone can see each other’s schedules and important dates.
2. Maintain Family Traditions
Even if your loved one is not physically there, continue to uphold family traditions. Celebrate special occasions like birthdays, holidays, and anniversaries. Prepare their favorite dishes during special meals. Maintain the routines that made your family unique before they left. These traditions provide a sense of continuity and normalcy, helping everyone feel more grounded and connected.
3. Support Each Other
Everyone in the family is affected by the separation. Be patient and supportive of each other’s feelings. Allow children to express their sadness, anger, or frustration. Listen to their concerns and reassure them that their loved one still cares about them. Encourage siblings to support each other and help with household chores. Parents should also take care of their own well-being and seek support from friends, family, or support groups.
4. Stay Involved in Their Life Abroad
Show interest in your loved one’s life abroad. Ask them about their work, their friends, and their experiences. Encourage them to share photos and videos of their new environment. The more you know about their life abroad, the more connected you’ll feel to them. This shows them that you care and that you’re making an effort to understand their world.
5. Create New Family Traditions
While maintaining old traditions is important, it’s also okay to create new ones. Maybe you can start a weekly movie night, a monthly family games day, or a yearly vacation. These new traditions can help create positive memories and strengthen family bonds, even in the absence of your loved one. Make sure to involve everyone in the planning process to ensure that everyone feels included.
6. Empower Children with Responsibility
If there are children left behind, give them age-appropriate responsibilities. This will help them feel more independent and capable. It will also help them understand the importance of contributing to the family. Assign chores, such as setting the table, doing the laundry, or helping with younger siblings. Praise their efforts and recognize their contributions. Make them understand that they are a vital part of the family, even when one member is away.
7. Plan for Their Return
Having a reunion to look forward to can help everyone cope with the separation. Start planning for their return early on. Talk about what you want to do together, where you want to go, and what you want to celebrate. This gives everyone something to look forward to and makes the separation feel less permanent. Remember to be flexible and adjust your plans as needed.
8. Seek Professional Help if Needed
Sometimes, homesickness and separation anxiety can be overwhelming. If family members are struggling to cope, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. A therapist or counselor can provide guidance and support. They can also help families develop effective coping strategies. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) also provides counseling services for OFWs and their families back home.
Specific Tips for Children of OFWs
It’s especially hard for kids. Here are some extra ways to help them deal with having a parent working far away:
1. Be Honest and Open
Explain to children why their parent is working abroad in a way they can understand. Use simple language and avoid technical terms. Be honest about the challenges and sacrifices involved. Reassure them that their parent loves them and misses them very much. Answer their questions honestly and patiently.
2. Create a Visual Reminder
Put up photos of the family, including the parent who is working abroad. Create a scrapbook or photo album with pictures and memories. Display these visual reminders in a prominent place where children can see them regularly. This helps keep the absent parent present in their minds and hearts.
3. Encourage Letter Writing or Drawing
Encourage children to write letters or draw pictures for their parent. This allows them to express their feelings and stay connected. You can even help them create videos to send to their parent. These personal gestures can be incredibly meaningful and can help ease the feelings of longing and separation.
4. Make Special Time for One-on-One Interaction
When the parent who is working abroad calls, make sure each child gets some dedicated one-on-one time with them. This allows them to have individual conversations and feel like they are still important and valued. Even a few minutes of focused attention can make a big difference.
5. Celebrate Their Achievements
Make sure the parent who is working abroad is aware of the children’s achievements, big and small. Share photos, videos, and stories about their accomplishments. Encourage them to send congratulatory messages or gifts. This helps the children feel appreciated and validated, even in their parent’s absence.
OFW Organizations and Support Groups: A Lifeline
It’s good to remember that you are not alone in this journey. There are many organizations and groups that are committed to assisting OFWs and their families. Some are listed below:
- Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA): OWWA is a government agency that provides various services to OFWs, including welfare assistance, training programs, and repatriation assistance.
- Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLOs): POLOs are located in various countries around the world. They provide assistance to OFWs who are experiencing problems at work or need help with legal matters.
- Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Many NGOs are dedicated to supporting OFWs and their families. They provide services such as counseling, legal advice, and financial assistance.
Connect with these organizations and support groups that can provide a lifeline and community.
FAQ Section
Here are some frequently asked questions about homesickness among OFWs and their families:
What are the common symptoms of homesickness?
Common symptoms include persistent sadness, loneliness, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, irritability, and a preoccupation with thoughts of home. Physical symptoms like headaches and stomachaches can also occur.
How long does homesickness usually last?
The duration of homesickness varies from person to person. For some, it may last only a few weeks, while for others, it may persist for several months. It’s important to be patient with yourself and seek support if the symptoms become overwhelming.
Is homesickness a sign of weakness?
No, homesickness is not a sign of weakness. It’s a normal reaction to a significant life change, such as moving to a new country or being separated from loved ones. It’s a testament to your strong connection to home and family.
What can I do if I’m feeling guilty about leaving my family behind?
It’s normal to feel guilty when working abroad and being away from your family. Remind yourself that you’re doing this for their well-being. Focus on the positive aspects of your work and the benefits it provides for your family. Communicate regularly with your family and reassure them of your love and commitment.
How can I prepare my children for my departure?
Be open and honest with your children about your decision to work abroad. Explain why you’re doing it and reassure them that you’ll stay connected. Spend quality time with them before you leave and create special memories together. Involve them in the planning process and allow them to express their feelings.
Where can I find financial assistance or resources for OFWs?
OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) provides several programs for OFWs. Also, review reputable NGOs that focus on labor migration and family welfare.
References
International Organization for Migration (IOM)
Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO)
Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA)
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
It’s tough being apart, no matter which side you’re on. But remember, you are not alone. These strategies can make a real difference in coping with homesickness. Implement these practices today, share this article with other OFWs and their families, and let’s build stronger, more connected lives, even across the miles.
