Returning from an Erasmus+ or Turing Scheme work or study placement abroad is always exciting – but for some, it unleashes a whole load of other, unfamiliar feelings – low mood, feeling out-of-sorts, and even depression. Don’t worry, all of these feelings are completely normal and sooner or later you will bounce back! It is perfectly acceptable for you to feel a little strange, returning to your home environment, especially as almost every participant has the very best experience – something that leaves a lifelong impression and precious memories never to be forgotten. Find out if you’re suffering with Erasmus+ blues in this article and in our next piece, we’ll talk about how to get over feeling blue.
The Signs of Post-Erasmus+ Blues
You might be lucky. You might just bounce back into home-life as if you’ve never been away! There’ll be people to see, family to hug, home-cooked meals, your familiar clubs, activities and parties. You’ll also return to college, or work – depending on your type of placement. If you feel you slip straight back into being at home, then that’s great – but what if you don’t? What if the novelty of being back home soon wears off and you can’t stop thinking about the extended trip you’ve just experienced? You could be experiencing post-Erasmus+ blues, and it's a real feeling that you must address to stop you spiralling into depression. Watch for the signs:
- You feel you want to withdraw from your family and friends. Perhaps you think they no longer understand you or share the same interests and beliefs as you?
- You spend much of your time online, perusing social media relating to the trip you’ve just been on, maybe looking at your Erasmus+ friends’ lives and longing to be with them again.
- You don’t feel like going out at the moment, and you can’t be bothered to engage with other people.
- You only want to talk to your Erasmus+ or Turing Scheme friends.
- You don’t pay attention to the important aspects of your life, such as studying or working. All you want to do is travel…
- You keep comparing your home life to what it was like for you living abroad, criticising your home country.
- You lose weight – or gain weight quickly.
- You believe that life will never be as good as it was when you went on your work or study placement abroad and cannot imagine being happy at home again.
- You can’t concentrate on important school-related tasks or work-related tasks.
- You’re not sleeping well, or you’re sleeping too much.
- You just feel sad and lonely.
Do Any of These Resonate With You?
The feelings above are not to be ignored. If you find that you’re nodding away, and you recognise you feel more than a few of them – please firstly remember that this is normal. You will also feel better again but you mustn’t ignore those feelings. We would also suggest that you confide in a close family member or friend and tell them how you’re feeling. Are any of your other Erasmus+ or Turing Scheme friends feeling the same? It’s vital that you address these feelings, even seeing a medical practitioner to help give you some good advice to tackle your mental health. In our next piece, we’ll look at ways to deal with post-Erasmus+ negativity – and help you get on track to feeling like you again!
Comments: