“THERE’S no other place like home, the home from within.”
It was a month ago since I left my hometown for good. It was a different feeling of separating myself from the usual activities I repeatedly do with my family and friends. I even miss the food, my messy room, the sweet smiles of my one-year old nephew, and my travel buddy - my motorcycle.
Remembering every detail of my barrio life would have me tearing up at night. Seemingly, it gives me a perception that I might not succeed on my new job responsibility with the absence of my parents’ sight. Never did I notice that my condition is a leading cause to Separation Anxiety Disorder (SAD) until one day I read a post on social media about it.
According to Psychology Today that Separation Anxiety Disorder (SAD) refers to excessive fear or worry about separation from home or an attachment figure. It is widely experienced by toddlers. In my case, being a mama’s boy and closer to my nephew adds to my homesickness.
SAD, if not cured, may result to depression and even suicidal breakdown among individuals who have short and less coping mechanisms.
To cope with this condition, psychologists suggest parents or caregivers to provide a child the adequate atmosphere of safety, assurance of their quick return, and building trust with other people. However, for older children and adults, an early exposure to the social world and a deep sense of independence must be fostered among them at reasonable pace of time.
Meanwhile, after a week of discernment, I have realized that a genuine home is not purely the tangible definition of it, rather the sense of family among new acquaintances. Home is never detached from us no matter how far we are from our loved ones; instead it is within us that keep us going amid life’s challenges.
With the aid of the communication technology and self-discipline, I have built from within “a home away from home.” (Mark Fil L. Tagsip, contributor)