[veronica]

Back in Sept/October time there were several posts about homesickness. Would any of those who posted then mind giving an update on how they felt then compared to how things are going now. cheers Veronica

[Moorf]

I for one was surprised by my homesickness.. :eek I thought it would have been Warren to suffer but no, it was hardnosed me that went all wobbly for a while. I'd have a good day then a bad day and that continued for a little while - probably a month or so if I'm honest.

Now I have perhaps 1 or 2 wobbles a month and these are often bought on by disappointments or fears that we aren't "sorting ourselves out" quite in the way I thought we would (i.e. house etc).

So, in my experience, yes it can be hard at first - personally I'd be worried if I was still feeling terrible and having daily wobbles etc 6 months on.. but for the first few months you do have to put up with it and work through it. I can see how many people, who are unaccustomed to such feelings, might turn round and go home again in the first month or so... but without wanting to sound corny it really really does get better.. :nice1

Susanlinn.. how are you getting on.. we haven't heard from you since your exams :?

[susanlin]

Hi Veronica and Moorf

Well, I am still here! Still homesick - and it has got much worse I have to tell you but I think that has been partly due to Christmas and New Year away from everyone. I have also had bad news from home - the sudden death of a close friend. I have been very low indeed and if I had only myself to think of, then without doubt I would have returned to the UK by now. But my children are settled, hubby is happy here - though concerned about my unhappiness. I don't dislike NZ - I love living here, it is a beautiful place especially when the sunshines but I have realised that home is far more than my living environment - home is my family and friends. Life would be perfect if they were here. But I am not giving up just yet - I have to believe it will get better with time so just got to hang in there...

Some good news though, I have family coming over next month! How excited am I!!

[Hannah-NL]

Were there any of you who never thought homesickness would be an issue, as to not being a close (not the every weekend "coffee with the inlaws") family friends person, but it still hit them hard?

[Iain & Liz]

I Think we should all have a meet up,
Any ideas where and when?

[susanlin]

Hi Hannah

In the UK I didn't live near my family. My husband's job took us all over the UK and we had always lived at least 3 hours travel from my family so I was used to them not being part of my day to day routine. I really did not expect to miss everyone quite as much as I do.

[Carol]

I miss everyone I am close to much more than I ever imagined I would.
And it really doesnt get easier - quite the reverse.

Another thing I miss terriblyis that feeling of "belonging"


I get the distinct impression - even from people I get on really well with here - that I will always be referred to as a "Pom" till the day I either leave here or pop my clogs.

And in that respect - I cant feel I "belong" :no

Carol

[Hannah-NL]

Thanks Susan and Carol,

I've heard homesickness is a part of the first year maybe two years and it will get better after some time, but I'm one that always wants to see from people I "know" i.e. post on the board :)
I hope you can both get more into feeling you belong in NZ as well as all those others.
Maybe I ask what are you (and the rest) doing to make it feel better, are there special things you do, try to make contact with other NZ'ders or maybe with other immigrants? Meet with other poms? I'm not a pom, but they will notice I have my "clogs" on ;)

From Holland, with love,
Hannah

[michala]

Hi,

At that time I posted a message too about feeling homesick. I was feeling terrible, it lasted for a few weeks and really was a miserable experience, four months on it has got better and I have not had a bout like that, however I still feel homesick. I have now been here for 1 year and 2 months and even though I still feel homesick it isnt as severe as the previous bout, so I hope that that gives you a little bit of faith Veronica that over time things do get better. But, there are ways that you can help yourself......

I now play hockey every Thursday with a team in a summer tournament, it's not very serious, but very social and a great way to meet people, also exercise is a great way to uplift the mood, and burn a few calories too. I am enjoying it so much that I am now going to join a club for winter hockey. This has been a real joy for me in the past few months, so perhaps this is something to look into.

It has been quite hard for me here as I am 31 with my kiwi husband with no kids, the majority of people my age have moved form the uk with their kids and are playing happy families.! I had a huge social life in London and really miss it and my friends and the madness of it all and of course the company of my bestest friend my sister. I am a city girl through and through and I can't help it if a walk in the bush or camping doesn't thrill me, but a nice meal and social drink does, this is my culture and what I like and I have accepted that. However there are things that I do like, and hockey was one of them (an old school favourite!), so joining this club has been one way of getting a bit of independence and fun back into my life as feeling homesick really ain't fun...

Hockey is a start, and I am contemplating on joining another club of some sort(maybe alacarte cooking!), it seems to be a great way of meeting like minded people, and is the first step to filling in those missing gaps.

I really was not feeling very motivated or energetic when I joined and was in a rather negative frame of mind, but sometimes you just need to kick yourself up the **** and do something for YOU (I also am an avid window shopper), and I guarantee that it will make you feel better.

I hope that this helps you Veronica, but also I think it's also important to allow yourself to feel homesick, it's only natural, but try not to wallow in it... it does get better.

All the best

Michala

[veronica]

Hi Michala, thanks for thinking of me but I didn't ressurect this post for me but out of curiousity to see how those who posted and said they were homesick over the winter and spring were faring.