New Beginnings, New Struggles: Mental Health Implications of Moving
Navigating Emotional Landscape
Most individuals often find themselves at the crossroads of change, and one of the most significant transitions is relocating to a new part of the globe. As a Mental Health Practitioner, we often witness the firsthand transformative power of new beginnings. But amongst the excitement of new firsts, moving to a new place can stir a potential cocktail of emotions, significantly impacting one’s mental well-being.
Imagine: you trade brick walled lanes for towering skyscrapers, constant chaotic noises for silent zones, familiar faces for fleeting encounters; the comforting rhythm of routine for the exhilarating, but sometimes disoriented part of the urban life. It’s not a surprise that amidst the hustle and bustle, our mental health can take a rollercoaster ride!
Challenges Faced During Relocation
Identity Crisis and Self-Rediscovery
Changes in our environment often prompt a re-evaluation of our identities and a sense of self. With new changes around, we may grapple with rediscovering ourselves and where we fit into a broader tapestry of the place. The period of self-discovery, while transformative, can also be somewhat challenging.
Social Isolation and Loneliness
We, humans are inherently social and the sudden rupture of established social networks can be taxing. And then, moving to a new place often entails leaving behind the physical comfort of well-established social circles; be it friends, family or colleagues. The absence of familiar faces and routines can lead to one feeling isolated and alone.
Most of the times, we believe ‘it’s just a phase and it will definitely go away soon’; but loneliness when untreated or unacknowledged can contribute to mental health problems.
Our Founder – Vaibhavi Bafna, looking far ahead & thinking
Continued from above…
The Excitement and Anxiety of The Unknown
Even though moving to a new place can be exhilarating, filled with promises of a fresh start and opportunities. It can also bring an undercurrent of anxiety as people dive into the unknown. The new environment around, challenges of building new social connections and also navigating unfamiliar territories can trigger feelings of apprehension and stress.
Coping Strategies and Resilience
The process of adapting to a new city can sometimes be emotionally demanding. It is quite vital to develop effective coping strategies and learnt to be resilient while navigating. A plethora of emotions, from excitement to stress and anticipation to uncertainty can also be experienced.
Professional Challenges and Career Transition
Relocation brings with it a set of professional challenges as well. The necessity and pressure to adapt to a new working environment and also establishing oneself from scratch can surely contribute to stress, confusion, and doubts of self-worth.
So, here’s how we can also support ourselves during this relocation:
- Prioritize Self-Care: When I moved to Dubai, the only thing constant in my week was self-care. Make routines that will help you be in your comfort zone but at the same time take small steps to grow your space. You should feel stable within your zone.
- Explore the city: As scary as this sounds, go explore the city on your own, alone. Exploring it at your pace will help you feel grounded and give yourself time to understand your space.
- Build new connections: Being away in a different city also means having no one around to talk or lay your heart out to. Try getting connected with different online communities or seek new friendships. Joining support groups or doing different workshops is a great start as well.
- Stay Connected via the Internet: This goes without saying, stay connected to your group back home. Do regular check-ins with them and lay out your insecurities to them.
- Have a place nearby where you can spend a minimum of 15 minutes outside of your house. It will do wonders to your mental health as well as your day.
- Seek Professional Help: Seek help when doing all of this alone can seem tiring. It’s okay to acknowledge that you’re struggling to cope with everything new. And it’s definitely okay to seek professional help.
Conclusion
Changing cities, countries or even continents isn’t easy or a piece of cake. It comes with its fair share of challenges, insecurities and triumphs. And a lot of it, impacts our mental as well as emotional health anyway. Some days, you may feel like you love where you are and you may even do your absolute best; but there would be some days as well when getting out of bed might seem difficult; or getting a feeling like this isn’t your space. But it’s highly important to remember – while the journey is personal, you are not alone!
The Blue Therapy offers counselling services to anybody and all who need it. Take the step towards getting help and reach out to us today!
