BBC Learning English.

Starting a dream job in a new city, winning a place at a prestigious university abroad or being able to travel for an extended period.

All fantastic opportunities, but they can leave us feeling sad and alone.

What is homesickness and what can we do about it?

Homesickness is mentioned in Homer's Odyssey — it's nothing new.

Common symptoms include sadness, anxiety and irritability.

It also can trigger self-protection responses causing people to withdraw from activities and become apathetic and unmotivated.

Homesickness can affect anyone, but there are some factors that can make people more resilient when faced by it.

Clinical psychologist Christopher Thurber and healthcare professional Edward Walton, tell us that positive previous experiences of being away from home, an optimistic outlook and a settled home background can help people deal better with the condition.

Homesickness can also be less severe when someone feels in control of their situation, rather than feeling that they have been forced to move.