ozzieclare2b

Has anyone else become depressed after emmigrating? Ive suffered only once before and that was pnd. This feels different but similar. I keep thinking im losing the plot. So many things have happened since we got here, now i just keep thinking i want to go "home". I dont hate the place but not in love with it either. Some days i just cry for no reason, but nothing i can put my finger on. We are so lucky and priveleged to be here but i miss my old life

Dee_dee

#ozzieclare, take heart hun, you are not alone. I started this

http://britishexpats.com/forum/showt...ti+depressants thread, and was blown away by the response.

Please read this and know you are not alone!!.

ozzieclare2b

thanks will take a look x

Emma M

Yeah, many people can become depressed after emigrating to another country. It's not just part of your life that's been turned on its head - it's your whole life. It's a decision that can't always easily be gotten out of if you decide it isn't for you, and I think that almost trapped-like feeling certainly is a big factor in that kind of depression. Add to that homesickness, missing your family and friends, feeling like you don't belong (yet), all sorts of things that on their own, you'd probably brush off, all contribute to a bigger thing. If you can go and see a doctor and talk it through with them, it might be a good idea before it escalates and you end up making a decision based on your (what could be otherwise temporary) emotional state. Good luck

backagen

What, no reason at all? It's a bit strange to cry for no reason don't you think?

Aha! So THERE'S the reason you were looking for! (It's an extremely good one by the way!)

I think it's a very common experience. I've had it many a time and still do sometimes. It can be extremely distressing.

There's no easy fix. Even moving back home doesn't always fix it, or at least not straight away.

Just try to work out what's best for you overall, accept that you simply CANNOT have the best of both worlds (that's a really difficult part I think) and then focus your energy on getting wherever it is that you most want to be and try to enjoy all that is good about it, and don't spend too much time worrying about the things that are wrong with it, or the things you miss about the other place.

In giving you this advice I feel strange because it's like I'm also giving myself the same advice. That's the advice I need anyway. The really hard thing for me, as I said, is to try and accept that I simply can't have the things I like about being in Britain AND the things I like about being here.

I think once I find it within myself to somehow come to terms with that I'll be ok. Although easy it is most certainly NOT!

Hope you can work it out!

TraceyW

Why are you? Just because some silly TV show says it, or the Daily Mail or The Sun spout their rubbish tales of the Lucky Country.

I have never felt lucky or priviledged to be here in this, an ex prisoner colony. After spending four years here I feel a hell of a lot prouder to be British and going home.

ozzieclare2b

maybe i meant the opportunity, some people dont even get that eg coz of their skills or whatever, anyway good luck with the return x

Donna Allan

Just remember why you left in the first place, at least that's what I keep telling my OH. I love been back in N.Ireland after 26 years but do have the odd cry to myself as well sometimes. It's always more difficult when the one half hates it and the other loves it but you can't live being miserable. Give yourself a time frame and if you're still miserable, pack it all in and come back.

ozzieclare2b

its not that i miss the uk, its not that i hate it here. Im sort of in limbo land i think, its been one big anticlimax. I just want my old life back with familiarity and people i know

backagen

I wish I shared your negative views about Australia because it would make my decision very very easy indeed to move back.

Unfortunately I happen to believe Australia actually is much better than UK in many ways (and overall if I'm being honest)

Nevertheless I have my reasons for wanting to move back and that's why it's so hard.

3 go mad in Adelaide

Hi Clare, I have been watching your progress with interest, from your excitement about the journey from UK to getting here and then realisation setting in that this is your new life. I am truly, truly sorry that you are feeling like this, it is absolutely gut wrenching (I too feel like this). I too am in Adelaide, but in the North, I wish we could get together for a good chinwag.

I know you post on another site too, which is where I first saw you, I must say I no longer log in as I cannot bear the 'loving it' brigade, it really did make me feel like a failure. Then I found this place, where people feel free enough to be honest about not loving it and feeling out of place. It really has been my salvation and I now know I'm not alone (theres nothing worse than wondering if it's just you). It doesn't have to mean you hate Australia (I certainly dont) but admitting it may not be for you is not admitting defeat - rather showing you have not only the strength in the first place to try it, but to also have the strength to say 'this may not be for me'. You are no failure girl - you are a do'er!

If I can do anything or you want to try meeting up, let me know, stay strong hun x

ozzieclare2b

its hard because all the people ive met seem to love it and are happy etc. Even my husband, maybe theres something wrong with me We will have to meet up for a chat x

3 go mad in Adelaide

I know what you mean - anytime you like hun, pm me x

Merseygirl

Have just posted something similar on the 'Anti depressants' thread, but would really like to meet up with other like minded souls who are based in Adelaide for a good chat.