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Whether you're relocating for a new job or to start fresh with your loved ones, moving can both be an exciting and a daunting task. Of course, when you're moving to a new city instead of just an apartment two blocks away, it will be life-changing. But somehow, all the excitement suddenly fades away and turns upside down.

Relocation depression is not an official diagnosis according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5). However, the feelings of depression associated with moving are real, and this is common. 

In some cases where a person has not been previously diagnosed with clinical depression, this can be an example of situational depression. In a lot of cases, people get depressed about moving due to several reasons like fear of the unknown, feeling lost or isolated, loss of support network, difficulty finding new connections and disruption of a routine. This is on top of the overwhelming use of a person's emotional and physical resources.

How to cope with relocation depression

One of the ways to cope with relocation depression is by creating some kind of structure and routine. Sometimes, we do not realize how much we rely on a routine until we can no longer do it. For example, the small details of going to a coffee shop you really like in the morning before going to work on a route you frequent can be a relaxing activity you unknowingly do. Eliminating that routine gives a feeling of being lost, so creating one will help you manage your stress better.

Another way to cope is by staying connected. Moving to a new place, especially when living alone, can make you feel isolated. Even if they are in an entirely different city or even country, make sure you stay connected with your family and friends.