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

Relocation Depression is a Real Thing

By Julie DeLong, A-1 Freeman Moving Group 

Real discussion here. Moving to San Antonio to a new home is stressful under the greatest scenario. You will be departing your house--where you've made a life for yourself along with your loved ones--and starting off once more in a strange location. Sure, the move alone is intriguing--an adrenaline rush that goes on for months as you discover a new residence, pack up the old one, and become settled with the family into their new routines. 
 
But as soon as the cartons are unpacked and you've figured out the best route to the dry cleaners, the new fact sets in--you are in a new location, and your pals and social life are back in your old area--the area you continue to dream of as "home". And everything appears off kilter--there is a sense of being misplaced, and you are uncertain if it's an actual or subconscious place, but it is simply not right. It is not home.

These kind of warning signs may be beyond the post-move doldrums. It's possible that you have something called "relocation depression". Relocation depression is indeed a thing--the starting point is after pretty much all the hubbub of the move dissipates--and should be taken seriously and diagnosed in the event that you can't get rid of it on your own.  

Signs to Watch For

These are several of the indicators to look for, the presence of several of these in a couple of week period suggests you need to get some professional help. 

You Simply Can't Get Out of Bed 

And once you do, you're sluggish and really don't have the energy to get through the day. Sleeplessness can be another sign of depression; you may be drained all the time, but you are unable to go to sleep. Or you are able to sleep--twelve hours at a stretch and you will be still tired. 

Decrease of Interest in Anything 

In your past home or city, you had your routine as well as your stuff--work, buddies, pastimes--that loaded your days. Now, you have got work, however your good friends did not come with you and it's hard to be passionate about your interests if, similar to a third-grader, you do not have anybody to play with. Grownups needs buddies too, so do not feel bad or guilty that you happen to be a bit lonesome. 

In case you just can't get focused on anything--hobbies, work, making new pals, interacting with family--chances are it's really a sign of depression. Combined with the blahs comes the inability to think straight--if something may catch your consideration, it would not last but a minute or two and you would zone out. 

Unwillingness to Depart from your House 

The new home is your refuge, and you simply don't wish to depart from it. Let's be honest, you have got television shows for binging, and your social network to check. Social networking is often a double-edged sword as it allows you to stay informed about acquaintances, but it can also facilitate and abet in your staying in rather than finding new friends.  

Tips on How to Beat Relocation Depression

There are certain things that can be done to remove the fog, so attempt these and see if you feel better. 

Get Some Exercise--Active folks feel better, so get out and just stroll several times a day. In case you have a dog this can be a built-in justification to get outside. Build on that outside time every day. 

Reduce or Get rid of Alcohol--This is a depressant, so it's wise to avoid it until you are feeling better. 

Talk with People--Take a program or join a newcomers group. Volunteer--extra hands and capabilities are frequently welcome. Just one or two new associates will make a significant difference. 

Try out Something New--Go to museums, coffee shops, theater, restaurants--explore your new area and get to know it. Keeping busy is similar to exercise--it keeps the excitement moving along and you should have far more energy. 

In the event that these solutions don't help, locate a therapist. Relocation depression isn't a joke, and left untreated, may spiral into something even worse. You understand yourself better than anyone, and in case things are not quite right, focus on your body and mind. Moving to San Antonio is among life's most stressful occurrences, but it does not have to be a source of gloominess or depression.

 

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