Moving is often associated with positive feelings like excitement for a new beginning or happiness around exploring a new place, and while some apprehension is expected, few seem to say, "I’m depressed about moving." However, it is not rare to experience relocation depression. Life change can be scary, stressful, and sad. In this article, we'll talk about feelings of depression around moving, including risk factors, symptoms of relocation depression, and when to seek help.
Relocation depression is an informal term for an adjustment disorder that can occur when moving to a new space. It is not a clinical diagnosis but rather a common experience that can cause feelings of sadness, grief, or loneliness.
Relocation depression can be a normal response to a significant life change, but it can also be a sign of a more serious mental health condition, including depression and anxiety disorders.
Symptoms of relocation depression can include feelings of sadness, lack of pleasure, and exhaustion. You may experience feelings of regret about your move and second-guess your decision to relocate.
Other symptoms can also include:
Although it's not a formal diagnosis, if you experience symptoms of this type of situational depression, you may want to reach out to a mental health professional for treatment. If symptoms are persistent, you may be diagnosed with clinical depression.
Relocation depression can be caused by various factors, including the relocation itself. Other contributing factors may include difficulty meeting new people, adjusting to a new routine, or staying connected with loved ones while adjusting to a new city.
Risk factors for relocation depression include a history of mental health conditions like major depressive disorder or clinical depression, anxiety, a lack of social support, and significant life changes.
Understanding the causes and risk factors of relocation depression can help you take steps to prevent it.
Coping with relocation depression requires a combination of self-care strategies and professional help. A person's mental health is often linked with multiple aspects of both physical health and emotional well-being, and you may be able to address relocation sadness with some self-care strategies.
Self-care strategies include getting enough sleep, regular physical activity, staying connected with your usual hobbies, and having a strong support network.
You can start by taking small steps, such as going for a 10-minute walk or meditating for 60 seconds. Building one healthy habit at a time, such as practicing sleep hygiene, can also help.
Seeking professional help is an important step to manage and treat depression. A mental health professional can provide a formal diagnosis and develop a treatment plan.
Talk therapy, also known as psychotherapy, is commonly used to treat depression. Cognitive behavioral therapy may be used, or if the relocation sadness is more situationally-based, solution-focused therapy can be a more short-term process to help get you back to feeling better in your daily life.
Online therapy can be a convenient and accessible option for those experiencing relocation depression and can take the stress out of finding a therapist in a new neighborhood.
Building a new life in a new location can be challenging, but it can also be an opportunity for growth and development.
Making new friends and connections can help you feel more at home in your new location. Joining a community group or club can help you meet new people and build a sense of belonging, while creating a new routine can help you feel more grounded and in control overall.
Managing stress and anxiety is an important part of coping with relocation depression. You may be able to prevent relocation depression by taking the time to deal with stress in your daily life in healthy ways. Stress and anxiety can exacerbate symptoms of depression and make it harder to manage. By implementing self-care strategies, such as exercise and meditation, you can help reduce stress and anxiety.
To address depression before it begins, you may also seek professional help, which can provide you with tools and strategies to manage stress and anxiety.
Social support is critical for managing relocation depression. Having a strong support system can help you feel more connected and less isolated in your new environment.
Reaching out to friends and family can help you feel more supported and less alone. You may set up regular calls, video chats, or keep up through texting. In addition, spend time exploring your new town. Join hobby groups or clubs, or volunteer with local organizations, and you can meet people living in the same area.
Joining a support group can also provide you with a sense of community and connection.
Creating a new routine can help you feel more grounded and in control when you feel sad because you've recently moved. By establishing a daily routine, you can feel more structured and organized and less stressed in your new house and neighborhood.
In addition, incorporating activities you enjoy can help you feel more engaged and motivated. You may even meet new friends and build new connections. Spend time doing the things you love to do; this and creating a new routine can help you build a sense of purpose and meaning in your new life.
Accessing mental health care can be an important step in managing relocation depression, especially when symptoms are severe and include things like self-harm.
A mental health professional can provide you with a diagnosis and treatment plan that may include things like talk therapy, lifestyle changes, and medication.
Online therapy can be a convenient and accessible option for those experiencing relocation depression. Seeking help from a licensed therapist can provide you with tools and strategies to manage symptoms and improve mental health and well-being.
Relocation depression is a common experience that can cause feelings of sadness, grief, or loneliness. Coping with relocation depression or another adjustment disorder can require a combination of self-care strategies and therapy. Seeking help can provide you with a clinical diagnosis and treatment plan.
At Williamsburg Therapy Group Miami, our team of doctoral-level Coconut Grove psychotherapists allows you to work with a trained professional that can create a treatment plan and offer a variety of practical strategies, healthy coping skills, and techniques that will allow you to reduce the symptoms of depression and experience a greater quality of life.
Don’t hesitate to seek help if you’re struggling with sadness or having difficulty navigating everyday life. With the right support, it’s possible to treat depression and improve overall well-being. If you have been thinking about seeking help, reach out to our customer service coordinator to get matched with a professional who can offer tools and strategies to manage symptoms and feel an interest in life again.