Once the initial excitement of moving to a new place wears off, the sinking feeling of doubt, uncertainty, fear of uncertainty, exhaustion and all the stress that comes with moving start to creep in.

Everyone who has moved at least once in their lifetime know how difficult moving is, not just physically but also mentally.

According to Psychology Today, a 2016 study in the Social Indicators Research journal, found that moving creates a perfect storm of unhappiness. However, because moving involves so much excitement, urgency (and often panic for the unorganized few), depressed feelings get masked or lost in these other feelings and won’t always be recognizable. How then to recognize and reorganize your feelings so that you can deal with all the emotions properly and can care for yourself as needed?

Are you more anxious than usual?

Find out if you are more anxious than usual. Don’t dismiss this as simply the moving anxiety. A major change like a move or a relocation can make you overwhelmed and until you feel settled in the new place, it could always end up feeling like the walls are closing in on you.

Are you more lethargic than usual?

Introspect to figure out if you are more lethargic than usual. If you are constantly tired and that has become your normal state, then it is possible that you are suffering from relocation depression.

Are you more withdrawn and aloof than usual?

Not being interested in any activities or in going out, or not calling home and friends enough, could be signs of extreme withdrawal and could point to your present state of mind caused by the move.
Once you have recognized and determined that you are indeed suffering from relocation depression, here are five things that you can do to overcome it –

1. Organize and prepare beforehand

You may not be the hyper organized-type of a person but that doesn’t mean you cannot for this one instance be prepared and plan ahead. Even though we imagine we would properly label and pack everything neatly, everyday life and procrastination get in the way and we end up running around the house, packing (dumping) things haphazardly at the last minute.

Not just that, research the area you are going to, clubs and classes that the place has and start looking at pictures of the place in order to get familiarized in advance.

2. Recreate a space from your old place

Recreate a space from your old place. Be it the entire decoration or just a corner of the house that reminds you of your old, familiar place, having that in your new house will serve as a safe haven when you are feeling low. Surrounding yourself with pictures of places and people you love also helps in alleviating the feelings of sadness.

3. Fall back in your routine

It is very important to have a routine. For example, decide to call your parents every other day and at least one friend a week. This way you will always stay connected to your roots in some way. Go back to your old habits and sign up for that morning yoga classes or familiarize yourself with the new city’s bike routes so you can get back to riding your bike.

4. Be a tourist for two days

When you come to a new city as a tourist, you look at it in a different light and enjoy every bit and aspect of the city. So, don your tourist hat and head out and do all the touristy things your city has to offer. This will not only help you get familiarized with your city but also shine a bright, new, happy, touristy light on your otherwise dreaded relocation.

5. Get involved in your new city

Joining local groups (even if they are on Facebook), joining some classes, attending festivals and events, or even volunteering at a local NGO can bring you closer to your new city and make you feel less alienated. This will also help you build new friendships. These friendships would then become more reasons to no longer feel sad and overwhelmed by the move.

These are just a few suggestions. If none of these options help or if you don’t feel like getting up to do even these, then don’t be ashamed to seek out professional help. Mental health is as important as physical health and it is important to get proper treatment to live a fulfilling, happy life in your new home. Individual counseling may help.

We shared some of our suggestions; what are some of the things that you do to overcome the relocation depression?