Interstate Move Anxiety

[OJC]

Hi, I'm new to this, so not sure if I am doing this correctly, first timer. My family and I have just moved interstate and I'm struggling with the move, feeling really depressed and anxious about starting a new school and making new friends. Everything is overwhelming, miss my old house, the weather, my friends, my school. I just feel sad all the time and have lost interest in everything, even things I use to enjoy. the only thing I am interested in is moving back but I cant for awhile and I just feel like I cant do anything. I don't even see the point in existence any more when I'm not happy and I'm not caring about where I am. I just want to go home its all I want to do because if I went home I would be fixed, I would be happy. it doesn't matter what I am told unless I am told I am moving back my emotions just end up in the same place every time I have no clue what to do besides move back.

[Sophie_M]

Hi OJC,

Welcome to the forums and thank you for your openness. Moving interstate is a huge change to go through, and big changes like this can really have an impact on how we’re feeling. We’re glad you could share it with us here.

It’s super important to look after yourself, your mental health and your wellbeing through a time like this, especially if you’re sometimes feeling like it’s hard to see the point in anything. The Beyond Blue counsellors are always here for you on 1300 22 4636, or via webchat here (11am-12amAEDT). There’s also Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or webchat, they’ll be really good to talk to about this too.

Thanks again for sharing this, OJC. Hopefully some of our lovely community members will spot it here soon enough, and they may have somereally helpful understanding or advice for you.

Kind regards,

Sophie M

[Petal22]

Hi OJC,

Wellcome to our forums!

Im sorry you are feeling this way I understand it would be hard.

Change is always hard, I understand.

I understand starting at a new school would feel overwhelming and the move.

Im sure you will make new friends……. There may even be another new person starting at your school at the same time and may feel exactly like you.

Just give it time……

Have you been able to chat to your parents about the way you are feeling?

We are here to support you, please feel free to chat to us anytime.

[MaddieT]

Hey - been there more times than I would like to think about but here's my tip. It's not easy, but look at your new surroundings and find something that connects you to your old house/home. It could be a plant, a colour, a hill, a view , a smell- anything. Once you find it, it can be your connection. You haven't left everything behind. Wherever you move in your life there will always be connections. Once you find them - hold them and let them give you strength through the next bit. I was always comforted by the connections (I think of them as strings) that I can find in all the places I have been. I am connected to them as they are to me. Once you feel connected some of the more scary things are easier to deal with. Please don't think I am taking your position lightly. It sucks and it IS really hard but I've had 40 years of moving (13 different schools before year 12, never lived in one house for more than 5 years - not by choice, moved states 8 times). I get it. Look for your string, hold it tight and let it give you the strength to find a new one.

[Mark Z.]

Hi OJC,

Thanks for sharing your story.

I guess it's your parents' decision to move interstate, and you have no choice but to move with them, please correct me if I'm wrong.

If this is the case, I believe that your parents must have taken your needs into consideration, which means the life quality, the new community and the new school should be fine. As you said you cannot move back for a while, then why not just have a try? Try to get familiar to the new environments, and make new friends.

I want to encourage you to have more communication with your parents, they should have had a lot of research to the new place, and can give you some good ideas for exploration.

I also want to encourage you not to lose contact with your old friends, it'll be good to keep long-term relationship with them.

Hopefully everything will get better.

Mark