For Americans, relocation is one of the most stressful events in life, and you shouldn’t be surprised that depression after moving is something you hear about more often. The important thing is to know that feeling sad and not having the will to get out of bed in the morning is temporary, and with the right treatment, it will be over soon. However, this isn’t something to be solved independently, and your mental health should be a priority.
Feeling depressed isn't something that will go away on its own
At one point in life, most of us get an opportunity to consider relocation. No matter what the reason for that relocation would be, whether it’s an amazing job opportunity or you start thinking about your loved one, and you want to move for love, you need to see the bigger picture.
Relocation is not just hiring a cross-country moving company and letting the professional crew take care of all things related to the whole process. Don’t forget you have to pass the adjusting period once professional cross-country movers unload all the boxes from the truck.
What Is Depression After Moving and How to Recognize It
If you’re asking yourself how moving affects you emotionally and if you should even be concerned about it, the answer is yes. The whole process of relocating is a huge change in your life. Not only will you be away from your family and friends, but you’ll also be in entirely unknown surroundings.
The essential thing is to learn that transitional trauma is a real thing and once you decide where you’ll live, start working on your physical and mental health. One of the things that will help you with that is knowing how to move efficiently.
Another essential part of becoming aware of the depression stage is taking a look at your feelings and your daily routines. For example, relocation from a small town to a big city will most certainly bring some changes in your everyday routines.
People tend to underestimate their feelings
Do Something About It Before Cross-Country Moving
To prevent feeling blue after relocation, there are some things you can do before the relocation day comes. When you have everything organized and under control, the level of relocation stress will lower, and you’ll be able to concentrate on other things. The first step is to start planning and organizing your relocation on time. At least two months ahead will give you enough time to create a relocation checklist of all tasks that have to be done.
Another great way to avoid anxiety about relocating is to talk about it. It would be best to call your family and friends to your place and just let them know how you feel. The support you’ll get is the best cure, and it can also help you with the fear of relocating. And, in the end, why not take advantage and throw an amazing packing party? It can be both helpful and fun.
Hire Reliable Long Distance Movers Near You and Get Organized
When you embrace all the benefits of relocation, you should start thinking about every little task to do. If you at some point realize it’s just too overwhelming, the best solution is to hire a reliable long-distance moving company that will handle your relocation professionally. Avoiding all the relocation mistakes and having the best experience will have much to do with your adjusting to future town and psychological well-being.
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Cross Country Moving Services That Can Help You Reduce Long Distance Moving Depression
If you’re thinking about your first apartment essentials and you’re not sure how to do it since you’ve never done this before, then you should consider some help from long-distance moving services. Let’s explain why this is important. Let’s say you’re relocating to a small town where you don’t know anyone, and it’s completely normal to feel a bit down once you move in. Now add stress, anxiety, and all the bad feelings that one unsuccessful relocation can cause and how it will affect your mental health. That’s why asking for help from a professional is something you need to consider.
Professional relocation services will ease the whole process
Relocation Depression Symptoms – Keep an Eye on the First Indicators
Every relocation is a stressful and challenging process, and it can leave you feeling a sense of sadness for quite some time. That’s why you need to learn what are and how to recognize the symptoms and prevent more serious stages.
Relocating during holidays when the whole family is together must be tough, and as a result, you can feel anxious about a move-out. Knowing the fact that according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau research, in 2020, there were more than 850,000 auto thefts that can put you in a miserable place.
That’s why you should do as much as you can to prevent it. In this case, you should consider hiring an auto shipping company that will safely transport your vehicle. So, let’s point out some situations you should be aware of and react on time if you notice some of them in your behavior:
- No interest in the things you usually find fun and exciting,
- Suffering from insomnia or oversleeping,
- Not being able to concentrate,
- Unhealthy consuming alcohol and food,
- Mood swings,
- Significant weight gain or loss.
Learn some symptoms that will be helpful identification the problem
Main Causes for Post Moving Depression
Many reasons can put you in a sad mood and make you depressed. Probably the first and most significant one is an entirely new home and unknown people you’ll meet.
However, even the smallest things you forget to do when relocating can get you depressed, although you want to move away and start over. So, here are some other reasons that can trigger depressing feelings after the move:
- Preparing your home for sale – since Americans stay in one house for about 11 years, it shouldn’t make you wonder why it’s very difficult for some people to sell it. When you spend a lifetime in one house, it grows on you.
- Dealing with a completely unknown environment – imagine you walk for years on the same streets, you go to the same town every day, drink coffee with the same people, and then rest in the same room every day. You are just used to the same things, and the fear of the unknown is completely reasonable.
- Having to make new friends – leaving your loved ones is probably the hardest thing you have to do, and you don’t feel like meeting new people.
- Figuring out how much money you’ll need – money could be one of the biggest reasons for your depressed feelings. So when you create your relocation budget, explore all the options for the cheapest way to move out and save some money on packing services, for example.
- Feeling homesick – even though you have your reasons for this relocation, missing your previous home and everything that has to do with it is completely normal. However, if you don’t do something about it, it can lead you in the wrong direction of depression.
How Does Moving Affect Mental Health?
Feelings and psychological states of a human being are very tricky, and if you’re not a professional, you should ask for help if you see some changes in your or others’ behavior. That’s why if you’re relocating with kids, you need to pay extra attention to their mental health. It may seem like the little ones can’t be affected by the change, but more studies have shown that new surroundings and the school can trigger this kind of feeling.
The same stands for your furry friends. If you’re relocating with pets, keep them away from all the chaos before the relocation day comes. However, once you move, give them as much attention and love as you can because they will be aware of the change, too. Relocating with a cat can be a tough task for someone who doesn’t have experience in it. Here’s a video you can check on how to adjust your future place for them.
What to Do When Feeling Depressed After Moving Into New House
If you find yourself in a situation where you don’t feel like yourself and your health is ruined, the essential thing is to take some steps to get rid of them.
Doing nothing will not solve anything, especially if you’re wondering how do I stop being sad about moving. So, as soon as you notice something’s wrong, try to fight it back or ask for a helping hand from a specialist.
For those who want to try some methods on their own, check the following activities that can bring you up:
- Stay healthy – being healthy and feeling good about yourself will certainly speed up the adjusting process.
- Exercise daily – exercise is a great way to feel good about yourself, and you’ll overcome the overwhelming homesick feeling.
- Restore your daily routines – once you move to your future home, make sure you do the routines that will get you back on track.
- Give yourself more moments to get back in the game – everyone is different and if you need more time to restore your life, know it’s ok.
- Seek professional advice – if nothing works, and you’re still overwhelmed by the whole relocation, it’s best to seek a professional opinion from a doctor.
Keep in Touch With Family and Friends Back Home
Relocating to a completely different environment doesn’t mean you can’t stay in touch with your family and friends. Nowadays, you have many possibilities of communicating with your loved ones at any moment of the day. Check online apps for a video call, Zoom and Google meet, and many other programs.
Meet Different People in Your Future Place
When you accept the change, and you think you’re ready, start meeting people in your future place. If this represents a problem for you, you can start by asking your colleagues at work for a drink after work. It’s a great solution because you already have at least one thing in common.
Meeting different people is something you should think about after the move.
How Do You Cope With Moving to a New Place
Living in a completely different house and surroundings is maybe exciting, but you still are worried and can’t adjust to that fact. If this is the case, then you should do something about it. You can try to redesign your new place and make it just as you want.
There are many great ideas for small apartments that will bring up the maximum of the place. On the other hand, professional relocation companies should offer you their storage facility to keep your belongings until you figure out what to do with them.
Embrace Your New Life and All Opportunities This Relocation Gives You
The relocation shouldn’t be only about the bad sides it can bring. You need to focus on all the benefits and opportunities that will come along. Not only will this maintain your positive attitude, but it will actually help you go through some rough periods.
So, when you’re feeling down, start thinking about how you will meet neighbors and what places you must visit in your future city. If you’re relocating to one of the best places for open-door recreation, then it shouldn’t be a big problem to decide what to do first once you move in.
Positive thoughts and support from your loved ones are essential
Do What Feels Right for You and Fight All the Negative Thoughts
The decision is made, and you’re relocating to a different place. All the planning is done, and your items are safely transported with extra protection from a relocation insurance professional crew offered to you. The only, and surely not the easiest, things left are adjusting and getting to know your future place.
If you’re having trouble, don’t hesitate to ask for a helping hand from Long Distance USA Movers, because the faster you solve your problem, the easier it will be to move on and enjoy the adventure that’s upon you. Our services are available year-round and we help people move and start over all the time – now it’s your turn.
Frequently Asked Questions About Depression After Moving
Is It Normal to Experience Depression After Moving?
It’s normal to experience depression after moving since it can be a significant life change that involves leaving behind familiar people, places, and routines. This can trigger feelings of sadness, loneliness, and homesickness.
These feelings may be temporary and subside over time, or they may persist and develop into depression. If you’re experiencing symptoms such as persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, or changes in appetite or sleep patterns, seek professional help from a healthcare provider.
What Are Some Common Causes of Depression Related to Moving?
Moving to a new place can be a significant life change that can cause depression. Common causes of this include the loss of social support and connections, feelings of isolation and loneliness, the stress of adjusting to a new environment, and the disruption of established routines and habits.
Other factors that can contribute to depression include financial pressures, employment changes, and the challenges of adapting to a new culture or language. It is important to seek professional help if you’re experiencing symptoms of depression related to a move.
Can Depression After Moving Lead to Long-Term Mental Health Issues?
Depression after moving can lead to long-term mental health issues if left untreated. It can become a chronic condition if not addressed with appropriate treatment, such as therapy or medication.
Prolonged depression can have a negative impact on your quality of life and can affect your relationships, work performance, and overall well-being. Seek professional help if you’re experiencing symptoms of depression after moving. Early intervention and treatment can improve your chances of a full recovery.
What Are Some Symptoms of Depression Related to Moving?
Symptoms of depression related to moving may include feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and emptiness.
Other symptoms may include loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, decreased energy and motivation, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and anxiety.
Physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle aches, and digestive problems may also occur. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek professional help from a healthcare provider.
How Can I Cope With the Stress and Depression of Moving?
There are several strategies you can use to cope with the stress and depression of moving, including:
- Practice self-care, such as getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and exercising regularly,
- Stay connected with family and friends, both in your old location and the new one,
- Seek support from a therapist or mental health professional,
- Engage in activities that bring you pleasure and relaxation,
- Focus on the positive aspects of the move and try to maintain a sense of perspective.
By using these strategies, you can reduce the impact of stress and depression and make the moving process more manageable.
What Can I Do to Prepare Myself Mentally and Emotionally for a Move?
Preparing yourself mentally and emotionally for a move can help make the transition smoother. Here are some strategies that may be helpful:
- Accept that change is inevitable and embrace the opportunity to start fresh,
- Plan ahead and create a checklist to stay organized,
- Stay connected with family and friends and seek support from loved ones,
- Learn about your new location and try to familiarize yourself with the community,
- Practice self-care, such as getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and exercising regularly.
How Can I Address Concerns About Leaving Family and Friends Behind?
It’s natural to feel concerned about leaving family and friends behind, but you can address these concerns by staying in touch regularly, planning visits, and focusing on the positive aspects of your new journey. Remember that distance doesn’t have to weaken relationships, and technology can help you stay connected.
What Can I Do to Ensure That My New Home and Community Will Be a Good Fit for Me?
To ensure that your new home and community will be a good fit for you, you can research the area, visit before you move, and talk to locals or expats who have already made the move. Consider factors such as job opportunities, cost of living, safety, and cultural amenities. It’s also important to keep an open mind and be willing to adapt to new experiences.
Can Seeking Professional Help Be Beneficial for Those Experiencing Depression Related to Moving?
Seeking professional help can be beneficial for those experiencing depression related to moving. A mental health professional can provide support, guidance, and resources to help manage the stress and emotional challenges associated with a move.
They can also help identify and treat any underlying mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety. It’s important to seek help if you are struggling and remember that it’s okay to ask for assistance.
How Can I Stay Connected With Loved Ones During and After the Move?
To stay connected with loved ones during and after a move, you can use technology such as video calls, messaging apps, and social media. Plan regular communication times and make an effort to keep in touch even if you have a busy schedule.
You can also send care packages, handwritten letters, or postcards to show that you are thinking of them. Additionally, try to schedule visits or plan trips to meet up in person.
How Can I Make New Friends and Get Involved in the Community After Moving?
To make new friends and get involved in the community after moving, you can join local clubs or organizations, attend community events, volunteer for local charities or non-profit organizations, and participate in recreational activities.
You can also consider taking classes or courses to learn a new skill or hobby or reaching out to neighbors and coworkers to establish new connections. Additionally, be open-minded, approachable, and willing to initiate conversations with others.
What Are Some Strategies for Staying Positive and Motivated During a Move?
To stay positive and motivated during a move, focus on the opportunities and new experiences that the move will bring, make a list of achievable goals for the move, stay organized and plan ahead, take breaks when needed, and seek support from family and friends.
It’s also important to take care of yourself by eating well, getting enough rest, and engaging in regular exercise or physical activity. Finally, try to maintain a positive attitude and embrace the challenges and changes that come with the move.
How Can I Involve My Family in the Moving Process to Make It Less Stressful?
To involve your family in the moving process and make it less stressful, you can assign age-appropriate tasks, encourage open communication, and include everyone in decision-making processes when possible.
You can also make the process fun by having a packing party, creating a family playlist or game, or taking breaks to enjoy local attractions or activities.
Finally, try to create a positive and supportive environment by acknowledging and validating concerns or emotions your family members may have throughout the move.
Is It Helpful to Create a Checklist or Plan for the Moving Process to Reduce Depression?
Creating a checklist or plan for the moving process can be helpful in reducing depression associated with moving. A checklist can help you stay organized and focused, reducing the likelihood of feeling overwhelmed or stressed.
Breaking down tasks into manageable steps and setting achievable goals can also increase feelings of accomplishment and motivation. Additionally, having a clear plan can help alleviate uncertainty and provide a sense of control over the situation.
Can Involving Myself in Activities or Hobbies That I Enjoy Help Reduce Depression Related to Moving?
Involving yourself in activities or hobbies that you enjoy can help reduce depression related to moving. Engaging in activities that you find enjoyable can provide a sense of accomplishment, increase feelings of positivity and well-being, and help distract from stress and negative emotions.
Participating in activities can also help you meet new people and make connections in your new community, reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness. Finally, hobbies can help you establish a routine and provide structure, which can be especially helpful during the transition of a move.
