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People who are homesick are often sad or even depressed. Children are particularly likely to display symptoms related to their homesickness. They may withdraw from others, refuse to participate in activities or engage in behaviors designed to seek attention. They may cry, experience insomnia and complain of physical ailments such as stomachache, sore throat, headache, nausea or flu-like symptoms. They may feign illness to avoid attending a new school.

Homesickness tends to become worse when a person has free time, such as early in the morning, just before bed or during periods of rest.

People who are homesick rarely require visits to a physician or medical treatment. Over time, the negative feelings associated with homesickness will typically subside and the person will gradually become more comfortable with the new surroundings. For example, children who become homesick at sleepaway camp or teenagers who become homesick after starting college will likely notice these feelings diminish after they begin to make new friends.

The physician may refer the patient to a psychiatrist, psychologist or other mental health professional if homesickness or another mental health disorder appears to be at the root of the patient's symptoms. Psychotherapy can help patients address the origin of their feelings and learn new ways to better cope with homesickness. College students can seek assistance through their institution's student counseling department.