How to Recognize the Symptoms of Depression After Moving and Overcome It

Unfortunately, depression after moving is something that often occurs, especially when people aren't prepared for this step. In order to overcome this serious psychological issue, you have to know how to recognize and understand it. Once you understand what you're fighting, it will be much easier to overcome it, so learn all about it in the following article.

How Does Moving Affect Mental Health?

The psychological effects of relocation are various, and it's not big news that this is one of the most stressful events in modern life, even when it isn't your first time relocating. Yes, it can severely affect your mental health on many levels. Relocation stress and post moving depression are usually related, and it all happens so fast that sometimes before you notice, it is too late, and negative consequences are undeniable.

It all begins with all the rush and stress of organizing a move and handling different tasks from your to-do list. Struggles with your relocation budget and many different reasons to move, finding the right home, avoiding relocation scams - these are just some of the factors that might induce relocation depression.

Different people experience relocation differently - someone who's introverted and doesn't like to change their usual routine might struggle with this change differently than the person who likes new experiences and experiments with life opportunities. One thing is certain - every relocation is related to big changes in your life. One of the reasons to move can be marriage, so you begin to live with your partner. You can also divorce and relocate after that. People often move because they change their job or they lose the old one.

All of this can be related to different mental issues because you're not only changing the environment - the whole system around you is changing, and you have to learn how to adapt to it.

How Long Does It Take To Feel Normal After Moving?

This also depends on many factors. Relocating around the same neighborhood is not the same as relocating to another city or changing a continent. The adaptation period is related to distance - cultural changes often require more time for a person to adjust than simply changing their apartment around the same city. If you're relocating locally, it shouldn't be too hard to overcome these issues, because most of your friends will still live close to you and maybe you won't have to change your job. The adaptation period should not be longer than a month, which is enough to rearrange your apartment, unpack everything and start doing your usual routines.

Can Moving Too Much Cause Depression?

Relocating too often is definitely bad for your mental health. As soon as you adapt to a new environment, the bed you're sleeping in, and your daily schedule - boom, you have to do it all over again. It isn't natural to make these changes too often because, at some point, you'll definitely experience moving depression and lose the hope that you'll settle down and live up to your usual routines and habits. The other important factor is who you're relocating with. If you go through this process alone over and over again, it can be much harder to deal with it than if you were relocating with your family or someone with whom you are close with.

How Does Moving House Affect You Emotionally? Common Symptoms That Are Signs of Depression

Relocations are very emotional and can cause various ranges of emotions. It's not unusual that people feel euphoria at first and then end up with relocation depression symptoms such as:

Insomnia or hypersomnia,

●     Loss of appetite or bigger appetite,

●     Losing interest in usual activities,

●     Hopelessness and isolation,

●     Aggression and agitation,

●     Problem to concentrate on usual tasks,

●     Avoiding human contacts and related activities,

●     Spending more time in bed and home than usual,

●     Finding it hard to work out and have physical activities,

●     Finding it difficult to deal with usual hygiene routines.

These Symptoms Combined Might Lead to Bigger Mental Health Issues

If you notice that you are currently experiencing some of these problems or you experienced a few of them in the past, this might be a sign that you are struggling. Don't worry if they don't last longer than a couple of days - feeling down occasionally is normal, especially after a big change. The real problem occurs when this repeats happening or even starts getting worse months after the relocation process is complete. You can maybe overcome some of these difficulties on your own, but don't hesitate to reach out for professional help.

Is It Possible to Overcome Relocation Depression After Moving to a New Place?

Many people feel depressed after moving, but still, that doesn't make this normal. There are many convenient ways to fight this, and don't let it overwhelm you even if you feel down. Keeping up a positive mindset and fighting negative thoughts of hopelessness and desperation sound to be on top of your list. It's not easy, especially if you think you're currently in a bad position, but we promise you, as soon as you start copying with your negative thoughts, you'll be able to see a clearer vision of a better future.

You Can Always Seek For Professional Help As For Any Other Life Problem That Appears After Relocating to a New Place

If you think that you can't go through this without any help, you can always go to different support groups and therapies. You'll find out that many people struggle with similar issues, and you won't be alone, for starters. You can even meet some friends and share your struggles. In the case of severe depression, professionals can help you with structured solutions. The key in fighting this problem is to plan small steps, organize your priorities and participate in activities that keep you happy and occupied.

First Step Is to Fight Stress During the Relocation Process

As we already mentioned, stress that often occurs during relocation eventually might lead to bigger problems such as severe mental health issues. In order to find it, you need to stay organized during the move and plan all the activities in advance. If you start planning on time, you'll have much more time to prepare yourself.

Relocating in a hurry causes pressure that might have negative effects. It is always a good option to hire professionals - they can help you go through the relocation process efficiently and smoothly, which will undoubtedly reduce your stress level if you're relocating at the last minute.

Your Physical Health Should Be a Priority

During the relocation process, you need to take care of your physical health. People have this bad tendency to let the relocation process affect their usual routines, which can lead to physical problems such as headaches, tachycardia, abdominal pain, and many others. In order to prevent this, you have to eat healthy, have a good sleeping schedule and stay physically active. If you take care of your body, you'll feel better as well, so this should definitely be one of your priorities.

Create a Support System and Put Yourself Out There

One of the biggest issues when it comes to relocation is the fear of the unknown. All of a sudden, you might start feeling hopeless because you are left out of your usual routines, such as having Sunday brunch with your family or friends at your favorite restaurant, going to the movies with your boyfriend after work, or missing out on your pilates training. Don't let the change of the environment drag you out of things and activities you used to enjoy.

If your family or friends live far away and you don't get to see them often, try facetime them and talk to them more often. Your group of friends can also discuss changing the usual meeting point if it's far away from your new place. If you don't prefer commuting an hour to your old gym, don't hesitate to check out some local ones and find a replacement as soon as possible. Life goes on, and you don't want to waste your best years mourning about some things you loved to do in the past - the key is to turn this change in your favor and enjoy many exciting opportunities.

Don't Push Yourself Too Hard

During the accommodation period, you'll definitely have some great days and some days when you'll question yourself on your decision to move there. You might find out that your new neighbor isn't as friendly as you hoped and that the nearest coffee shop doesn't serve good coffee. You might also find out that you have a beautiful park right across the street that is perfect for walking your dog in case you're relocating with pets.

It isn't mandatory that you like everything. You couldn't love everything around your old home either, only now your emotions are exaggerated because you are feeling pressured. Don't let the negative feelings overwhelm you, and be kind to yourself. Try going out with new people you meet, but don't push yourself to go out often if you would rather feel like staying home and talking to your old friends over the phone - balance is something that is essential in this process.

Have a Schedule of Activities

One of the great relocation hacks that you're going to love if you're struggling is to make a table of activities. Write down all the activities you usually engage in and give them numbers according to your feelings about them. For example, if you enjoy watching movies, this should have the highest number, such as ten, and if you don't enjoy cooking that much, this should have a lower grade.

Once you're done with the first step of this process, make a table of actions for different days in the week. You don't have to go very far ahead, planning a week in advance should be fine. This schedule should contain as many positive activities as you can fit. After every week of successfully fulfilling your plans, you'll feel better, so you will be able to deal with upcoming events more effectively.

Stay Physically Active If Possible

We're not saying that you should become the newest Rocky and start working out 6 hours a day, especially if you're not a big fan of going to the gym, but physical activity was proven as one of the most effective ways to fight depression. When we're exercising, hormones that our body produces are positively affecting both our body and mind. It also helps in reducing stress and anxiety. If you don't exercise, you can at least go for a short walk occasionally or go biking or hiking on weekends. You maybe even start getting in better shape and gain more confidence as a bonus.

The Only Things Left Is to Find Professional Assistance Over Best App for Moving Companies

Want to reduce your chances of feeling depressed after moving into a new house? One of the best ways to do this is to hire a reputable moving company in your area, but still, you might not know how to find them. With our Mod24 app to compare moving companies, you'll find an ideal solution in no time. This app helps you track the best professional movers in your local area, compare their prices, and make smart choices.

Once you find your ideal moving company, your relocation will be less stressful, and you won't have to worry about feeling sad or disappointed after the process is over. The other benefit of relocation with professionals is that you'll have much more energy for yourself, and you'll be able to focus on your mental health. Contact our customer service if you have any questions, and we'll be happy to help.