The festive season is when people usually feel the most homesick. They are emotionally charged times, as they are often associated with belonging, shared rituals, family connections and a sense of continuity.
“This is particularly relevant for students, young professionals, migrants and individuals living away from their families. He went on to elaborate on how being away from home affects mental health in the festive season, which is presented as follows. However, Dr Hussain shared that feeling lonely during a festival does not automatically indicate a health disorder. The concern arises when loneliness becomes persistent and begins affecting sleep, appetite, concentration, motivation or everyday functioning. Maintaining connections can help reduce loneliness if an individual is staying away from home during the festive season. Being away from home does not mean being disconnected from a sense of belonging, noted the psychiatrist.
“When people are away from home during the season, the contrast between how they expect to feel and how they actually feel can intensify loneliness ,” shared Dr Hamza Hussain with HT Lifestyle. “The aim is not to eliminate every feeling of loneliness but to acknowledge it, remain connected to people, and build meaningful experiences wherever one is,” he added.
