Along with relationship break-ups and the loss of a loved one, moving house is frequently cited as one of life's most stressful events. Whatever the truth of one's personal experience, moving can undoubtedly be a time of great anxiety.
Moving to a new house and city, having a new job and environment, and meeting new friends are all part of the big change that comes with moving. Changes often create anxiety. It's normal to feel this while moving.
Frequent home moves can result in depression and feelings of instability. Research suggests that frequent moves can, especially in teenagers, lead to depression, feelings of instability, or an attitude of disposable relationships.
Moving house stress can lead to a variety of mental health issues like an increase in anxiety or even depression. Research states that “more than 1 in 10 people” will experience “a disabling anxiety disorder at some stage in their life” and moving house can help worsen these disorders.
The mental health effects of moving to a new house
Feeling unable to focus. Finding it hard to make decisions. Being unorganised. Worrying a lot of the time.
Because the fact is that moving is traumatic. And not just for adolescents and teens. According to the University Hospital System of Northeastern Ohio, moving is one of the top five traumatic events in life. Moving is the third most stressful event, after the death of a loved one and divorce.
The adapting period can last from several weeks to several months, but don't feel pressure to feel at home right away. Let it come to you naturally.
Moving can cause symptoms of depression, anxiety, and adjustment issues. If you're experiencing these symptoms, you're not alone. Millions of people worldwide experience depression, and among those are individuals who are living with temporary relocation depression, also sometimes referred to as moving depression.
One of the reasons why moving is so stressful is because of all the major changes happening in your life. Stress is exacerbated if you're leaping into the unknown. To help combat this, it's a good idea to research before you move.
Almost 1 in 2 movers (47%) said they experienced increased stress levels due to moving. Money worries are a big deal for buyers – 40% said what they dread most about moving is not having enough money to cover unexpected expenses.
The process of relocating everything we own, even if it is just around the corner, can create the impression of changing our whole lives. According to most psychologists, it takes about 21 days to settle into a new home.
Relocation stress syndrome is a nursing diagnosis characterized by symptoms such as anxiety, confusion, hopelessness, and loneliness. It usually occurs in older adults shortly after moving from a private residence to a nursing home or assisted-living facility.
How stressful is moving? Research continues to show that moving is one of the most stressful life events. The combination of moving tasks like packing, sorting through your belongings, physically moving, cleaning and related expenses can be overwhelming.
Psychologist Meredith Fuller explains that not only has moving been ranked one of the top five most stressful life events, but that our house is symbolic of ourselves, our safe haven from the outside world, which is why it is so hard to leave and start all over again.
Many people can have anxiety and hints of depression when moving to a new place, and the feelings can be made even worse depending on the situation. For instance, if you are moving for a new job, you also have the added stress of acclimating to that environment as well.
Studies have shown that moving house is considered one of the most if not THE most stressful life event the average person goes through. The stress can manifest as anxiety, lack of sleep, generalised worry, illness, and can last for months (both during the move and afterwards).
In other words, it's completely normal to feel upset after a move. Getting used to a brand new house, where things feel, sound, and look different, can also be very difficult. Your former home, neighborhood, and familiar places kept you centered, and now you may feel unanchored, set adrift.
Study authors Martijn Hendriks, Kai Ludwigs, and Ruut Veenhoven posit that moving creates a perfect storm of unhappiness. As a Mover, you're lonely because you don't have good friends around, but you may feel too depleted and stressed to invest in social engagements outside your comfort zone.
Moving can be stressful. In fact, 38% of survey respondents said moving is more stressful than parting ways with a significant other, according to Move.org, a relocation resource.
A: A last minute wobble is completely normal and I see many buyers go through it. Buying a property is a huge commitment, both financially and emotionally, so it's understandable to have doubts as the reality gets closer. If the cause of your last minute uncertainty relates to finances then go over your sums once more.
Changing your posture, breathing, and rhythm can all change your brain, thereby reducing stress, depression, and anxiety, and leading to a feeling of well-being.