What Happens After You Move? Tips To Combat Relocation Depression

We are all looking forward to the moment we can move out of our parent’s house and finally leave the nest! But, little do we know, the independence and the new life afforded by moving houses seem to come with a cost. 

In general, when we talk about the trauma that leads to depression, we’re talking about things like automobile accidents, seeing violence, or being abused. However, many individuals will be surprised to find that transitory trauma exists and even Transfer Trauma and Stress Relocation Syndrome can occur during or after relocation.

Depression caused by relocation

Relocation depression or relocation sadness can manifest in several ways and might linger for years after the move. You’ll learn why you’re ashamed after relocating, even if you’re enthusiastic about the possibility of a new place and the new experiences that come with it, and how to overcome relocation depression and other mental health issues brought about by moving house by reading this article.

Have You Recently Relocated? 

Statistics show that 4-5% of the population moves to a different city or county in the UK, with approximately three-quarters of these moves being domestic or local.

An Examination Of Relocation Depression

Relocation depression is, as the name implies, a sense of overwhelming and unending grief that lasts for months to years due to relocating, which can be a local or long-distance relocation if you are away from where you call home.

Whether you acknowledge it or not, moving means both beginning a new chapter, but also ending a chapter in your life.

Some people are ecstatic about relocating because they are graduating from university or leaving their hometown for the first time.

For others, leaving behind loved ones – or perhaps the only ones they’ve ever known – might be devastating. Every relationship you’ve made, every landmark you’re linked to – they might all feel like memories fading in the wind.

For most people, painful forgiveness is an unavoidable part of life, which might explain why the cuts of relocation are so strongly felt.

How to Overcome Relocation Depression?

Fortunately, you can do a few things to convert a stressful situation into a pleasant one.

Whether you’re a young adult moving out for the first time, a professional immersing oneself in a new career or area, or a family embarking on a shared next big adventure, read on to discover more about why you think your relocation is causing sadness and what you can do about it.

Recognizing Relocation Depression

Moving to a new location is stressful, and many are prone to making mistakes while relocating to a new place. In addition to missing loved ones, it may also impact your mental health and wellbeing. When you are away from home, it is difficult to pinpoint the source of your overpowering grief.

The following considerations, however, may offer additional insight on the reason for relocation sadness.

Many indicators of relocation melancholy come from a fundamental fear of the unknown and the loss of the familiar. You made him a companion who was unique to that area, no matter where you lived.

You know how to get about, you’ve made a map of your pals (and maybe enemies), you have favourite spots to go, and you’ve most likely sought sanctuary when you’re feeling down.

When you leave one place for a new one, you may have to start from scratch, which can be quite scary. Here are some Things Everyone Should Do After Relocating.

We get so accustomed to (and even dependent on) our routines that anything that threatens their order causes us discomfort.

Some of us are fortunate enough to be born with an adventurous spirit that lends itself to adaptability, which is fantastic! But those who are more concerned with mobility are probably feeling disoriented, confused, and uneasy about what lies ahead.

Other transitional trauma symptoms include:

• – Hopelessness
• – Isolation
• – Fear
• – Oblivion
• – Agitation
• – Aggression
• – Disinterest in enjoyable activities
• – Loss of sexual interest
• – Loss of focus

You may also notice weight loss, disturbances in sleep, or eating problems.

Relocation depression has been described as a loss of control, the end of an era, or even a lack of self-confidence by those who have experienced it.

Older individuals, in particular, are vulnerable to depression as a result of relocation since they have typically spent a significant portion of their lives in one area and are more likely to be forced to migrate not by choice but by necessity.

One approach to cope with moving is to face the difficulties you may face. It’s really a positive indication that you’re sad to be leaving since it implies you’ve grown in love with the place you’re leaving behind.

At the same time, new chances must be embraced! The planet we live on is stunning, and you are fortunate to witness it for yourself. But, unfortunately, not everyone is capable of embarking on the adventure that you will plan.

Assuming The Absence Of Shape

Because of our extraordinary ability to adapt, humans have risen to the top of the food chain on our planet. Life, as we know it, is characterized by development and change. You have no notion who you can be or what you can become if you already adore who you are.

If you play your cards right, this massive challenge will inspire confidence in you like none other.

No matter where you go, moving to a new location will undoubtedly provide you with new problems. For instance, you may need to adjust to a new environment or integrate into a new culture.

All the while, you’ll most likely learn a new career, meet new people, and travel to locations you never imagined you’d see. At the end of it all, you’ll look in the mirror and see an entirely different person from the one who first appeared to you.

As you prepare for these early adjustments, envision yourself as the person you’ve always wanted to be. Did you wish to be an actress, a rock star, or an Olympic weightlifter when you were younger? It’s a new beginning, and it’s time to pursue ambitions you were formerly too content with.

people, moving new place and repair concept – happy african american young woman with many cardboard boxes sitting on floor at home

Customization is risk-free.

When you achieve, which you will, you are less likely to re-assume your capacity to survive. Hence, allow these painful sensations to remind you of the nostalgia that will soon follow your recollections of him before you have a chance to fix your mistakes and make your dreams come true when you leave your home.

New Romantic Relationship

The most challenging aspect of relocating is knowing you won’t see the people you care about. Some of you may be bringing family members, while others may be travelling alone. In any case, once you get to your location, you will have to meet new people and make new acquaintances.

This is the most difficult aspect of moving for many people. You could be concerned about being nice enough or fitting in with new neighbours, classmates, or schoolmates. It is easy to perceive oneself negatively, especially if you are sad due to this significant and perhaps irreversible shift.

However, once you’ve surmounted this obstacle and found your new group of friends in your new location, you’ll be surprised at how much better you’ll feel!

You will be able to notice your wonderful traits as you learn to appreciate the beauty that everyone around you must give. You will establish new objectives for yourself, face new difficulties, and continuously develop a foundation of self-confidence that will serve you for the rest of your life.

‘Where can I meet these people?‘ you may be asking.

You will discover them in locations where you naturally gravitate since you will have more enjoyable encounters. When you discover what you enjoy doing, you will find yourself in the company of people who share your passion, and your bond will be deepened by your mutual appreciation for whatever you do. These are the folks who make life worthwhile to live. You would not have had the opportunity to meet them if you had not relocated. Another thing that makes you giggle.

To conclude, having an open mindset and taking baby steps in carving your new life after relocating can go a long way. 

Feeling Homesick? Here Are Some More Tips You Will Want To Remember

Be aware of what you are feeling

First off, figure out what is it that’s bothering you.

If you are unhappy, ask why?

The following questions will help you to take stock of your situation.

• Is it because you don’t fit in?
• Do you miss your friends back home?
• Is it because of the weather?
• The traffic?
• The neighbours?
• Are you upset because you are not in your comfort zone?
• Or are you dissatisfied with your new place and circumstances?
• Or could it be that you are just feeling lonely? 
• Worried that the removals service you chose has damaged items?

Whatever it is, think about it. And once you’ve identified the cause of your sadness, you need to work on changing it.

Homesick feelings are a bag of mixed emotions. You have to sit down and untangle the mess. Start by identifying what exactly is making you sad. You might want to write down everything you are thinking about. Then try to find a way to make peace with these thoughts.

Don’t suppress your feelings

Permit yourself to feel sad. Unlike mental health disorders like depression and anxiety, homesickness is temporary and situational. So, embrace your emotions. But don’t get carried away. Do not start ruminating or keep dwelling in the past forever. Or else you will be stuck in the past. Accept it and let go, gradually.  

Should availing of mental health services be the answer to letting go of these feelings, don’t be hesitant to do it. While talking to a professional may not ease all the stress that comes with moving to a new location, it can at least ease the moving depression that you might encounter.

Alternatively, talking to support groups may be helpful as well. You can use this as an opportunity to decompress and avoid post-moving depression once you have gotten through the actual moving process.

Change your perspective

When you are homesick, you tend to focus on all the things wrong with where you are now. But you should remember that change is inevitable. There is nothing wrong with being uncomfortable. It’s quite a normal part of life.

When you were at your old place, were you thrilled every day? Probably not. Did you ever wish you lived somewhere else? At least some days, thoughts of living somewhere might have crossed your mind. We tend to idealise our past sometimes. And fail to see things for what they are. 

Instead of focusing on the negatives, try to look at the positives. Think about all the good things that come with living in a new place. Maybe you’ll meet new people, learn new skills, or perhaps you’ll discover something new about yourself.

This new place will eventually grow on you. Who’s to say that it won’t?

Change your expectations

You tend to expect the worst from your new surroundings when you are homesick. But you shouldn’t let your expectations dictate your experience. If you are expecting too much, you will be disappointed.

For example, you might expect your new neighbourhood to be as safe as your previous one. However, it isn’t always so. Your new place might be noisy, dirty, or unsafe. It might be better than your old place, but it doesn’t have to be.

You might also expect your new job to be more challenging than your last one. But it may be easier. So instead of getting caught up in unrealistic expectations, try to adjust and adapt to them.

Think about how you can make the best of your current situation.

Remember that you are moving into a different environment and it is an opportunity to explore new places and experiences.  This means that you will encounter new challenges and opportunities.

Get out and explore your surroundings.

The worst thing you can do when you’re feeling down is stay at home and engage in overthinking. That’s a no-go. Carry yourself out of the house. 

Go for a walk around the neighbourhood. Or visit a museum, an art gallery, local coffee shop, pubs, bars or any place where you can socialise.

It doesn’t matter if you don’t know anyone there yet. You just need to get out of the house and make yourself home. 

Take care of your health

While you are caught up in homesickness, you may ignore eating and sleeping well. When you are under stress, your body tends to crave comfort food. So, try to avoid eating junk food. Instead, eat healthy meals and snacks.

Try to exercise regularly. Exercise releases endorphins which make you happy. Plus, it helps keep you fit and healthy.

If you feel like you aren’t sleeping enough, try to set aside time to rest. Take a nap or go to bed early. 

Don’t hesitate to ask for help and support from your loved ones

If you struggle to deal with homesickness, talk to someone who cares about you. Ask for their advice and guidance. 

Talking to someone helps you process your feelings and think through your options. It also gives you a chance to vent your frustrations and worries.

Everyone has been through this before: your parents, siblings, grandparents, cousins, aunties, uncles, teachers, coaches, friends, neighbours, and colleagues. They understand and can empathise with you.

They can offer practical solutions to your problems. And most importantly, they care about you.

So, don’t feel ashamed asking for help.

Remember, this too shall pass!

As time goes by, you will slowly begin to adapt to your new lifestyle. And before you know it, you will be feeling more settled than ever.

Relocating to London?

If you are relocating to London and are worried about experiencing Relocation Depression when you do, here are some tips to help you avoid this:

1. Don’t try to do everything at once – take your time and enjoy the process of exploring your new city.
2. Find a hobby or activity that you enjoy and make friends through that.
3. Join a club or group related to your interests.
4. Get involved in your local community.
5. Exercise. Not only will this help you with your relocation depression symptoms and overall mental health, but it will also push you to improve your physical health.
6. Volunteer – helping others can make you feel good about yourself and also help you meet new friends.
7. Keep in touch with friends and family back home – they can provide a support network for you.
8. Seek professional help if you are struggling to cope with the change. Alternatively, you may also use a mental health app, if you prefer getting help remotely.