8 Ways to Manage Depression About Moving

What Causes Depression

Depression can come from hereditary, biological or psychological problems. With depression about moving, you are experiencing depression caused by environmental factors. Temporary depression can be set off from what life happens to bring us, and unfortunately, some of us have to move even when we don't want to.

For some people, relocation can bring about excitement, anticipation and exhilaration to start over in a brand new place. Many others are apprehensive to leave the familiar, sometimes into areas where we don't know anyone. I have personally experienced both ends of being super happy or super sad about moves, and I can tell you it is never good or bad as anyone makes it out to be. Life goes on, and eventually you will establish a routine that feels normal again.

Just to be on the safe side, we want to encourage anyone who is considering harming themselves or feeling particularly miserable to contact professional help immediately. People at The National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 are always available to talk to free if you are need.

How to Handle Depression About Moving

1. The first thing you should do is realize what you are experiencing is not unusual at all. About 6.7% adults above 18 in the U.S., or 14.8 million people, are experiencing depression at anytime. You are not alone, you are not strange and there are ways for you to deal with your depression. Whenever you are feeling like no one has ever felt as bad as you are feeling, remember how many people out there are experiencing the same feelings of despondence, helplessness and sadness. 
2. One easy way we can all fight off depression is by exercise. It can be simple as going on a walk around the neighborhood or a more elaborate effort to go to the gym. Your body releases hormones that fight off stress when you exercise. With major depression, you may not feel like it, but just make yourself do it. You'll feel a lot better afterwards. I know it is a lot easier said than done, but you can do it. 
3. Another thing to consider is to getting help with your move. Whether it be from a professional moving company, family or friends, lowering stress levels can be helpful to fight of depression. Sometimes it can be nice just to have some company if you are depressed, and seeing someone who is outside of your routine will make you realize life isn't that bad. 
4. Not EVERYTHING needs to be perfect. Let go. Control freaks (you know who you are) can have an especially difficult time with moves. Moves are chaotic. Even the best planners and moving professionals find them to be a not-so-pleasant part of life. Realize that somethings going wrong will not be the end of the world. 
5. Turn a negative into a positive. A common problem for depression is to get caught in a negative thought cycle. You think of one negative thing then the next thing you know you are dwelling on a whole list of negative things. The next thing you know you've spent hours dedicated to being stuck in this harmful cycle. The next time you feel yourself going into one of these cycles, make yourself do something positive instead. When you are done doing the productive/positive action you can feel the satisfaction of what you got done instead of moping. 
6. Keep a list. One common exercise cognitive psychologists give out is to keep a list of negative thoughts, especially very general ones. Some examples of this are "I am bad at everything", "I am a horrible person", "I'm never going to get everything done". Your job is to go back to this list and write why these views are extreme, and how they are not true. Even though you may feel these statements with such strong conviction at the time, when you go back to them when you are less depressed you'll see that they are not as true as you thought. 
7. Consider professional help. If your depression is getting in the way of your everyday activities, it is time to get some professional help from a psychologist. They can help you through with medication, exercises and therapy. 
8. Can't afford a psychologist. Whether you don't have the time, health insurance or energy to go to a psychologist, it doesn't mean you can't get any help. There are lots of books out there that can help you get over your depression. One book I recommend, that is very well renowned (this is not a marketing effort on my part), is here. I personally used this book to help me get out my depression after moving, and some of the exercises in there really did help.

I wish you good luck on your move and dealing with depression. Remember that you are not alone, and you are capable of getting through this rough patch of your life! Stay positive.