Starting over in a new place can feel like moving on to bigger and better things. Unfortunately, that excitement rarely lasts as soon as the realization of what lies ahead sets in, and it can leave you feeling overwhelmed.
This is basically called moving depression. It's something that is more or less a rite of passage for people moving to new towns, states, or even different countries at any age.
Studies show that moving is one of the top five most stressful life changes a person can experience. Even those who want to move can end up feeling sad, anxious or emotionally fatigued.
In this blog, we will talk about why relocation depression occurs and what small changes you can start implementing to help alleviate the symptoms.
Understanding Relocation Depression
Relocation depression is technically not a diagnosable medical condition but closely mirrors the symptoms of clinical depression. Some people may experience a combination of symptoms, including feeling low or down, losing interest in things they used to enjoy and difficulty getting into — or sticking with – a routine.
It disrupts our daily patterns and puts us into phases of the unknown, and obviously, we start feeling lost. So, whether you hire movers from Edmonton to Vancouver, research indicates that up to 20% of people end up with serious mental health issues following a major relocation, and early identification and treatment are the key.
Stage symptoms include chronic fatigue, mood swings, altered appetite and may cause sleeping difficulty. Those feelings are incredibly common and come from just the stress of changing everything about your life and losing the familiar safety of what you used to do at home.
Common Emotional Challenges of Relocating
Moving can be an emotional experience. All the excitement and anticipation felt before the move may soon be replaced by loneliness, regret or even fear of the unknown.
It is like an emotional roller coaster; some days, you may feel like you are on cloud nine, and other days, you could be in the dumps. Homesickness is one of the most common emotional challenges others face. You start missing the old home, the neighbors, and even the local store — nothing feels quite right in this new place.
When that happens, someone can easily become a hermit and feel like a stranger in their own life. Studies have shown that, following a move, 35% of the population describes their life as socially isolated in the first few months.
You need to understand these emotional cycles because they help with a variety of things, which makes everything so much more normal, and you are not alone in this.
Strategies to Manage Relocation Stress
Addressing relocation stress is somewhat similar to fitting together a jigsaw puzzle—each little step can ultimately help complete the larger picture. One of the best ways to inject some order into your daily life is to create a routine.
Having a schedule, such as specific eating times and a sleep routine, can help you feel more normal. Another important strategy is self-care. For a little while, keep yourself busy with any activity you enjoy, a little exercise, maybe your favorite cooking recipe or just listen to your music.
If you doubt the power of self-care, consider that one study found 75% of people who practiced regular self-care said they felt happier post-move. Getting out in the new area may also be helpful. Just going for a short walk around the block can make you feel more in touch with your new home.
Adding a personal touch to your space and making it feel more like home as quickly as you might help with this! Studies show that people who inhabit structured, personalized spaces have reduced stress.
Overcoming Feelings of Loneliness After a Move
It is not only normal but absolutely natural to feel like a fish out of water when moving into an area, especially one where you know nobody. This can cultivate a sense of isolation and inevitably result in moving depression, which is why it makes it harder for you to cope with your new place.
Number One: Stay in touch with your friends and family from whatever part of the world you just left. Emotional distance can be navigated by engaging via video calls or regular texting.
It is equally important to start the process of making new connections. Picture that first meeting as planting a seed—it needs to grow and develop over time and with care.
Having been part of a community — joining clubs, attending local events or taking classes — is a great way to network with like-minded people. Community service can help promote a sense of belonging and purpose, it means meeting others like oneself.
Engaging in community activities can help people adapt quickly and minimize the feeling that they are all alone.
Dealing with Homesickness After Moving
It is only human to miss the things with which we are comfortable around. Although the reasons for moving may have been in good spirits to a new job, or better life etc., it's still ok to miss your home.
Homesickness is a delicate dance between your roots and your present. Journaling is a great way to deal with these feelings. It is a way to process your thoughts and make sense of the world so that you feel heard, seen, validated and validated.
Be sure to do the same as your journal, which can build a bridge between reality past where you were living and reality now, and that is an important solace all within itself. Creating a “home away from home” can be one way to help minimize feelings of a sense of loss.
Display familiar items: Hang family photographs and place your favorite throw pillows in your new apartment. It also helps to create a little nook where you can unwind and read or meditate, giving you a sense of calmness and making sure the unfamiliar feels closer to home.
Building a Support Network in a New Area
Creating a new support system is as challenging as climbing the top of the mountain, but it is an important step in adjusting to new surroundings. First things first, start by finding local groups that interest you.
One way is to join a group. A sports club, book group, hiking club, etc., may give you a feeling of community and belonging. If you prefer going this path face-to-face, download some social apps to make friends or go to a local meet-up.
If socializing seems like a difficult task, start by chipping away at it. Perhaps invite a neighbor over for coffee or chat with someone at your local cafe.
And as you gain more connections over time, feelings of loneliness will wane — and your new locale will soon begin to feel less like it belongs to a stranger.
