I just returned from a trip of 10 days meeting my mom who I haven’t seen for 2 years since I left home to study abroad due to political situation at my home country. It was all ok during 2 years just occasionally missing home and family sometimes feeling empty. Last December I started to feel empty all the time, not being able to enjoy my days. Then I chose to take a trip to see my family. I really enjoyed my time with them, but I felt like I was not able to spend more time since I was focusing on shopping. I was excited about the things I bought then. But as soon as I came back to the place I’m staying, I started to have a breakdown missing my mom and worrying about her and the time I’ll be able to spent with her. I wasn’t excited about the things I bought anymore and I just wanted to hug her. One more time. And I kept worrying about her health. I also still feel empty and burnt out. I don’t know how to deal with this.
Hi @Iwantpeace, thank you for reaching out.
I can hear how difficult it must be to feel such intense emotions after reuniting with your mom and then having to leave her again. It’s natural to miss her and worry about her well-being, especially after being apart for so long. The excitement of the trip and the things you bought might have felt like a temporary distraction. Still, the underlying feelings of emptiness and burnout have returned to the surface now that you’re back in your usual environment.
It’s important to acknowledge and validate your emotions. Missing your family and feeling worried about them is a testament to the strong bond you share. Finding ways to stay connected, like regular video calls or sending messages, can help bridge the distance. It might also be helpful to talk to a therapist or counsellor about these feelings, as they can provide support and strategies to cope with anxiety and burnout. Taking care of yourself mentally and physically is crucial during this time. Remember, it is okay to seek help and prioritize your well-being.
If you need information on where to seek professional support, you may wish to use mindline.sg’s Service Wayfinder: mindline.sg | Free Mental Health Resources & Mindfulness Tools in Singapore
Hi @Iwantpeace
It takes courage to share your experience so thank you for that. I think it is understandable that you’re feeling this way, especially after being away from your family for 2 years.
Firstly, acknowledge that it’s normal to feel a mix of emotions after reuniting with loved ones, especially when you’ve been apart for a long time. The excitement and joy of being together can quickly turn into feelings of sadness, emptiness, and worry when you’re apart again.
It’s great that you recognised your feelings of emptiness and burnout before your trip and took steps to address them by visiting your family. However, it’s clear that the reunion, although wonderful, didn’t completely reduce those feelings.
May I suggest the following to cope with these emotions:
- Allow yourself to feel: Acknowledge and validate your emotions, rather than trying to suppress them.
- Stay connected with your family: Regular phone or video calls can help you feel more connected to your mom and reduce some of the worry. Plan to visit home more often.
- Practice self-care: Engage in activities that bring you comfort, relaxation, and joy, such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies.
- Seek support: Consider talking to a counsellor who can help you work through your emotions and develop coping strategies.
- Reflect on your priorities: Think about what’s truly important to you and what changes you can make to align your life with those values.
Remember, it’s okay to feel overwhelmed, and it’s normal for it to take time to adjust after a meaningful experience like your trip. Be compassionate to yourself always. 
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