Relocation can place a huge emotional burden on the whole family. Not only may you experience a sense of loss, but you also have to cope with the fear of the unknown. Will you find a suitable school for the children, will your spouse be able to find a job again, will you be able to afford a comfortable new home?
When it comes to relocation, preparation is everything. Knowing how to cope once you have made the decision to relocate can make a big difference on the success of the move and on how you and your family deal with it. Here is how you can prepare yourself for relocation:
Discuss the relocation with your family. Getting much-needed support from your loved ones will make a big difference to how well you will cope.
Viewing the relocation as positive may be difficult. However, try to see it as a new opportunity.
Try to brush up on knowledge and skills. Chances are that you will have more opportunities once the move has been completed and your professional expertise may set you on the road to success.
Do not withdraw yourself from those who you are leaving behind.
Find out everything you can about the place that you are moving to. Visit websites, read books on the place and talk to other people who have lived there. This will help dispel fears of the unknown and may actually make you look forward to you new environment.
Find out all the practicalities of the more. Moving firms have lists of tips available to help smooth the process (and there is one at the end of this document). This will also help with feelings of uncertainty. In addition, draw up a timeline of what needs to be done by when. Adapt the list to your particular circumstances as they come up.
Remember that life consists of many opportunities and therefore you should not let relocating get you down. Do your best to make it a learning experience that can help you overcome other changes in your life.
dealing with anxiety, stress and depression
A change in employment conditions understandingly goes hand in hand with intense feelings. Change is never easy, especially when it involves your income and, in turn, your sense of security. To feel anxious in a situation like this is normal, but how you deal with those feelings may influence your ability to make sound decisions. Look for the source of your anxiety and stress. What is it that you are really scared of? Recognise and accept your anxiety about specific fears or situations and then make a plan to deal with them. Change what you can to help you feel more comfortable with present concerns, but let go of past problems or things you cannot change. Here are a few ways to help you deal with anxiety:
Engage your mind. Get out and do something you enjoy, such as going to a funny movie or taking a walk or hike. Try not to think of the relocation all the time; bring balance back into your life.
Plan your day. Having too much or too little to do can make you more anxious.
Keep a record of your symptoms. Discuss your fears with a good friend or counsellor. Confiding in others sometimes relieves stress.
Get involved in social groups, or volunteer to help others. Being alone can make things seem worse than they are. It will help to discuss your situation with others who have previously relocated.
Avoid alcohol, caffeine, chocolate and nicotine. They may increase your anxiety level.
Be kind to your body. Relieve tension by exercising during the day. Even a brisk walk around the block may help you stay calm. Maintain a healthy diet and make sure you get enough sleep.
Change usually leads to stress. To deal with stress there are a couple of things that you must remember. Stress is a fact of life for most people and, while you may not be able to get rid of stress, you can look for ways to reduce it. Try some of these ideas:
Find a better way to cope. Look at how you have been dealing with stress. Be honest about what works and what does not. Think about other things that might work better.
Try out new ways of thinking. When you find yourself starting to worry, try to stop the thoughts. Practice ‘being in the moment’. Try meditation, imagery exercises or prayer.
Listen to relaxing music. Try to look for the humour in life. Laughter can really be the best medicine.
Learn better ways of managing your time. When relocating, you will have to deal with additional tasks involving practical arrangements and planning. You may get more done with less stress if you plan ahead. Think about which things are most important, and do those first.
Ask for help. People who have a strong network of family and friends manage stress better. Sometimes stress is just too much to handle alone. It can help to talk to a friend, family member, someone in the same situation or a counsellor.
You or a family member may experience feelings of sadness, loss of enjoyment and a lack of drive or interest. Depression takes weeks to develop and just about always follows some sort of life event that is upsetting or distressing. The symptoms of depression are often subtle at first and difficult to recognize.
Some symptoms related to depression include:
Losing or gaining weight because of changes in appetite
Over sleeping or not enough sleep
Feeling restless and unable to sit still
Feeling tired all the time, or feeling that everything takes a great effort
Feeling unworthy or guilty without an obvious reason
Having problems concentrating, remembering or making decisions
Thinking often of death or suicide
Relocation has been identified in the third position on the Life Stress Scale, therefore supporting and facilitating those who have relocated has proved to be a vital and most welcomed service. Relocation Africa provides a Family Assistance and Transition Support Program which minimises stress and ensures the general wellbeing of the family. This program is run by an experienced sociologist affiliated to Relocation Africa who has been instrumental in facilitating smooth transitional relocations for many expatriates and their families.
Please visit www.relocationafrica.co.za for further details
Taken from Relocation Africa's African Relocation Guides.
To place an order or for more info on this guide or other guides please click here: African Relocation Guides.
