Relocation Stress

[asylon]

Good morning !
Well, i went to my GP last week and came away with a diagnosis of acute stress and insomnia, instructions to see a therapist and sleeping pills. Now stress is a very funny thing, I'm not miserable or depressed, quite perky actually, I've just got lots of physical symptoms, like not having any sleep for weeks, shakes, inability to concentrate, feeling like I'm going to fall over (?panic attacks). I'm so not the sort of person that does this stuff!
We're less than 4 weeks away from getting on the plane, our stuff has been packed up and is on its way, which was a relief. We no longer have a mortgage, which is fantastic, and we are having a lovely last few weeks enjoying the S. coast. I'm not particularly worried about anything, not even spiders, and all in all feel pretty positive.
So it's a bit weird that it's hit me like this.
Just wondered if anyone else has gone through the same sort of thing. I guess it's the total change of life that is about to happen, leaving everything and everyone familiar, quitting work, the burden of guilt that goes with leaving elderly parents. I've also got this feeling that to an extent I will lose my identity.
Am I the only one having a bit of a hard time with this or are any of you cracking up too ???
A x

[The Broughtons]

I'm not suffering to the extent that you seem to be Hunny but I do have trouble sleeping. It takes ages to get to sleep and then I'm lucky to go through the rest of the night. I wake up absolutely knackered in the mornings. I do get a very knotted stomach from time to time and the feeling of wanting to throw up! I do feel stressed but I to wouldn't have said to the extent that the doctor would need to be consulted.

You're nearly there chuck and I'm sure you'll be back to your normal self once you get down under,

Felicity

[Dave53]

You are about to embark on potentially a life changing move . It is only natural to feel as you do . Just remember , you are in a group of privileged people who are given a unique opportunity . Grab it with both hands , and don't even dare to look back . Best of luck my friend .

[calNgary]

I couldnt word it any better than Dave has,,it is a major thing you are doing and its only normally to get a little worried and concerned ,you seem very positive and im sure youll make a fantastic new life here,so chin up and keep smiling ,,big hugs and best wishes being sent your way,,
Cal x

[thistles and gum trees]

I am having a real problem sleeping too. But it seems to be that my mind just wont stop. Our stuff goes from here in 4 weeks and the house is chaos. We are taking most everything but sorting out the stuff that is not allowed in etc is bedlam! Our stuff in storage back in the uk goes in 2 weeks so OH has to go back and sort that - as well as go on a 10 day course. He leaves in 10 days but 1st we have to organise a church camp for 60 plus from Tuesday next week. If my mind isn't whirring about what to send to Aus and what needs cleaned or should we change our money now or wait for the rate to improve - its thinking about confirming speakers for camp or buying ingredients to cook for 60 people for 3 meals each for 5 days. I sooooooooo want to go to sleep and wake up to find the house is sorted - there's not things EVERWHERE.......... OH is home and finsihed courses (has to go to UK again 14th to 29 Sept) - and we fly back mid Oct to leave............................ and that we are all packed and relaxing in a nice Hotel in town for a week before we leave.............. aah if only. Anyone else going through this madness of mind???? Or does anyone know a good fairygodmother?????????????

[PAMJ]

Moving house is recognised as being one of life's most stressful things - you're doing this AND to the other side of the world to boot, no wonder you're the way you are.

Good luck for your new life

[mandy1]

Bless you!
I know what you're going through. I have never been a 'stressy' person but when our visa application went in at Christmas I started getting palpatations and the docs said it was anxiety. I now am a lot better but still get a bit panicky now and then. Try Bachs rescue remedy or failing that a bottle of wine-lol. Seriously though with such a big move it'd be strange if you don't get stressed out. We are moving to Perth in November and too be honest I try and take one step at a time just to get throught he whole process.
Mandy x

[egghead]

Stress is a weird thing isnt it?
a while back my jaw started to click (which i must tell you gets on my bloody nerves and any other person eating around me) anyway, the dentist said it was stress. I am a bit of a stressy kind of person and would never have thought the problems with my jaw could be down to one word.
Stress can affect you in lots of different ways, but sleep deprivation is one of the worst. I guess that once you are in oz, things will slowly start to get back to normal.
chin up, you are almost there!!!
good luck
bec

[ali]

As Dave said, it's a life changing experience. Save you're money on the therapist though, get yourself a relaxation tape and try to do it before you go to bed each evening (or you can just put on some nice music and I'll send you a relaxation excercise to do).

Ali