Feeling Depressed when travelling

[aggy2801]

Hey everyone,

I’m currently backpacking in south east Asia with my friend but am really struggling with my mental health. I’ve been so excited for this trip for a long time but have been struggling with depression and loneliness for some time. I started seeing someone about it recently and I still feel like I’ve got a long way to go. It’s hard because I don’t feel like I can talk about it with my friend and we are doing all these amazing things and seeing these amazing places but most of the time I just feel sad. Sometimes I am able to get past it and really enjoy the moment, and have had some genuinely great times and memories so far. Though still at the end of the day and in the quiet moments when I’m not distracted or the moment doesn’t feel special enough I am incredibly sad and feel lonely even when surrounded by my friend and all these great people we are meeting. I think it’s extra hard tonight because I’ve gotten food poisoning and have to stay in a hotel by myself tonight instead of the hostel with my friend and all my loved ones at home are asleep. I was wondering if anyone has any advice for me and I hope to feel better about it by getting the words out. 

[Ggrand]

Hello Dear Aggie,

I am so sorry that you have food poisoning, I’ve had it once and it’s really horrible…I do hope you get well soon so you can continue on your back packing holiday..

I am guessing that your feeling home sickness and missing your family and friends at your home…I think this happens a lot to travellers and can take away a lot of happiness on a trip away from home…

Have you kept in contact with them all, maybe at night when these feelings join you,  you could many do a video call which might help with your feelings of loneliness and depression…just seeing a familiar face and chatting to them even if it’s on a video call might help you to know that you are loved and cared for and not alone….

As hard as it might be now for you…try to enjoy your trip with your friend…make some good memories to look back on once your home…

My kind thoughts dear aggy,

Grandy..