Whether to a new town, state, country, or even just a new house, moving homes can feel overwhelming. The initial excitement of moving to a new area can quickly turn into moving anxiety and relocation sadness. You can be responsible for moving furniture, packing your items into boxes, and saving money for moving expenses. Moving expenses such as a moving truck, travel costs, and moving support may cause stress. The relocation service providers are also there to help for seamless shifting.
You might also experience feelings of unusual sadness, irritability, or exhaustion after a significant move. If you are experiencing the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and adjustment issues then it’s not uncommon for moving and you are not alone. Millions of people experience depression worldwide and among those are individuals who are living with temporary relocation depression. This is sometimes also referred to as moving depression. However, to treat this depression, support from mental health professionals is available.
Four ways to cope
You may find it easier to handle any changes in routine or differences in your new life, as time goes on. You could also find that your new location provides benefits that your previous one did not in some cases. However, adjusting to changes can feel challenging. There are ways to handle your symptoms in the meantime.
1. Get to know your new local area
You may find that symptoms of relocation depression can be alleviated by familiarizing yourself with your new neighborhood. Consider exploring if you have recently moved to a new city, state, or country. If you want to know how to become a tourist in your new home, look up tourist attractions in your area to get an idea of it. You might find some exciting or interesting activities available there that were not offered near your old home. Additionally, if you want to make new friends or learn about the locals, exploring could be a valuable way.
Consider taking pictures or videos of your new location and sending them to your family or friends from your old city if you are feeling relocation depression while out and about. They might feel excited for you and can also help to raise your spirits. Check out if you can find a unique spot in nature or a hiking trail near your home. Studies show that it can be beneficial for your mental health to spend time in nature or change your location.
2. Make your home feel as comfortable as possible
Your everything will be packed up in boxes when you first move to a new home. It feels challenging to unpack your things and settle in with the symptoms of depression. However, according to one study, clutter and mess can increase depression symptoms. If you can unpack your boxes relatively quickly and make your home feel comfortable and familiar, you may realize you feel more productive. If you are unable to do it, you can also check whether your moving company having such an unpacking option or not.
Create a space in your house where you can sit or lie down to feel comfortable. It may be anything. Just like a reading nook, a unique recliner, or a beanbag chair you can fall into. Spend some time in that area participating in a calming activity, such as meditating or reading when feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or depressed. It may take some time to make your new house feel like home but it is possible.
3. Throw a housewarming party
Consider throwing a housewarming party if you feel uncomfortable in your new home. Celebrating the beginning of this new chapter in your life can help you a lot.
Invite only a few people for a calming or low-key activity like watching a football game or chatting under the stars while sipping a drink if you are not up to a highly social event. That way, while you adjust to your new home, you can stay connected with a support network of friends or family.
4. Give yourself time
Try to give yourself time to adjust to your new situation. As you start learning more about your neighborhood, home, and new city, symptoms of relocation depression may lessen over time. If you feel down in the first few months after moving it’s okay to spend more time at home or focus more on self-care. It can be a significant transition, also your body may require time to rest and recover.
