Just visited my home country (EU) and I am now returning to my expat country (US) and a wave of depression hit me.
I never considered myself to be very attached to my family or my country but after three years and now finally coming back to visit, last night I was extremely depressed. I created an overall good life for myself in the US and I don’t think I would ever see myself coming back to the EU to live permanently, but now I am at the airport leaving and I can’t help but feel an overwhelming sadness.
I’m wondering what experiences other people had in regards to this. Does it get easier? And is leaving after visiting always this sad?
I certainly don’t feel overwhelming sadness. Some homesickness from time to time, although when I’m back in Norway to visit, I also feel that for Florida. Some wistfulness, perhaps. But nothing on the magnitude of what you’re describing.
I will say that the homesickness was much stronger my first year in the US. I was 17 years old, living with an American host family, and other than a stay in a children’s hospital as a kid, it was my first time being away from my parents for an extended period. There were times then that I felt really homesick, and I called my mom in particular incessantly. Pretty much daily. On the other hand, that was also balanced by new experiences and the adventure of getting to know a new country.
Keep in mind, also, that when you leave, it’s not goodbye forever. You will visit again. And over time, visits will become more routine and the emotions attached will quiet down a bit.