Austin Moving Blog - Tips, Tricks, and Insider Info
November 21, 2018

Relocation Depression is a Real Thing

By Julie DeLong, A-1 Freeman Moving Group 

Genuine conversation here. Moving to Austin to a new home is nerve-racking given the ideal circumstances. You are departing your home--where you've made a life for yourself and your loved ones--and starting off once again in a unfamiliar place. Without a doubt, the move on its own is exciting--an adrenaline rush which goes on for weeks or months as you find a new home, load up the old one, and get settled with your loved ones into their new schedules. 
 
But as soon as the cartons are unpacked and you've determined the best route to the dry cleaners, the new truth sets in--you're in a new area, and your buddies and social life are back in your previous place--the location you at present think of as "home". And everything seems out of whack--there's a feeling of being out of place, and you're uncertain whether it's a physical or psychological place, but it's just not right. It isn't home.

These kind of indicators can be more than the post-move doldrums. It is possible that you may have something called "relocation depression". Relocation depression is indeed a thing--the starting point is after most of the commotion of the move simmers down--and needs to be given serious attention and treated if you can't shake it by yourself.  

Symptoms to Watch For

These are typically some of the warning signs to look for, the appearance of several of these over a couple of week period means you need to receive some professional help. 

You Simply Can't Get Out of Bed 

And when you do, you may be fatigued and truly do not have the vigor to get through the day. Insomnia can be another characteristic of depression; you may be worn out constantly, but you can't go to sleep. Or you can sleep--12 hours at a time and you're still worn out. 

Lack of Interest in Anything 

In your former residence or community, you had your normal routine and your stuff--work, pals, interests--that filled your days. Now, you have got your job, however your buddies did not accompany you and it's difficult to get passionate about your interests if, similar to a third-grader, you don't have anyone to play with. Adults needs buddies too, so don't feel bad or remorseful that you happen to be a little lonely. 

In the event you just can't get focused on anything--activities, work, finding new pals, interacting with family--odds are it's really a sign of depression. Together with the blahs comes being unable to think straight--if something might get your interest, it wouldn't keep going but a couple of minutes and you would zone out. 

Unwillingness to Leave your House 

The new house is your refuge, and you simply don't want to leave it. After all, you have got TV shows for binging, and social media to check. Social networking is often a double-edged sword because it lets you stay informed about friends, however it can also aid and abet in your staying in and not making new friends.  

How you can Combat Relocation Depression

There are certain things you can do to lift the haze, so test these and determine if you feel better. 

Get Some Exercise--Active people feel better, so get out and just stroll two or three times a day. For those who have a dog it's a built-in reason to get outside. Build up that outside time each day. 

Reduce or Eliminate Alcohol--This is a depressant, so it's advisable to refrain from it until you are feeling better. 

Interact with People--Take a program or join a newcomers group. Volunteer--extra hands and skills are always welcome. Just a couple new associates will make a significant difference. 

Check out Something New--Go to museums, coffee houses, theater, restaurants--explore your new community and get to know it. Being occupied is much like exercise--it keeps the adrenaline moving along and you should have more energy. 

If these home remedies really don't help, locate a professional. Relocation depression is no joke, and not dealt with, will get out of hand into something even worse. You know yourself better than anyone, and when things aren't quite right, focus on your body and mind. Moving to Austin is considered one of life's most stressful occasions, but it does not have to become a reason for gloominess or depression.

 

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Very pleased with the overall respect and care the men gave to my possessions. Even mailing me very quickly the only thing lost in transit. Would recommend to anyone needing a long distant move.
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