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I'm on fieldwork and I'm developing a block towards my relations back home to the point were it is becoming almost impossible to call them back or answer their messages. Especially with one person that I have been seeing romantically this past year, this situation of block has become a knot in my belly. But it also happens with friends and family. I think it has to do with anxieties about fieldwork, maybe about being present here or not being able to translate between the two spaces and not fully being in any one of them. Or it might be something that has been bottled up and is surfacing now in this way. I'm very unsure if I need psychological help and how to get it from here or in what manner, how much it cost's etc. For context I have been for almost 2 months in a little remote farming community that I have known since 3 years, and I'm staying for 3 months and a half more. Does SiO or UiO offer support for this? Thank you :)
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I am sorry to hear about your troubles. I think you are probably right - it can be difficult to live abroad and try to make a good life where you live, and at the same time take care of relationships back home. Many international students talk to us about similar things.
You write that you are unsure if you need psychological help. What you describe is quite common, and not necessarily something you need to discuss with a professional. Fellow international students will probably recognize these thoughts and feelings, and sometimes talking to other people in similar situations can be helpful. And of course - if you find it possible, it could be that your friends and family back home would love to talk to you, and help you. However, I understand that you find this very difficult, so that may not be possible.
If you think you need someone professional to talk to, there is a possibility to contact your local welfare organisation, or even contact SiO mental health and counselling directly. These services are free of charge.
If you have anxieties regarding your field work, I would recommend that you talk to your supervisor or tutor at UiO in order to get some help. To be anxious about studying and doing it well is very common, and oftentimes the supervisors from the university can be most helpful.
I wish you all the best, and the best of luck.
Kind regards from the social work counselor