"The effect of grieving after moving house"

Living in the south of England with my husband for many years, I had fond memories of my earlier single life in the Scottish Borders, and nursed the prospect of a return there after retirement, bringing my husband.

It was a trumatic move: long selling process, little choice in the Borders and a time of temporary housing.

Having found a small house in the early summer, that seemed to meet many of our criteria, I felt increasing ill at ease in the house we’d bought. It had been a holiday house and needed much done to make it a permanent home.

My husband fell and suffered a leg fracture in the autumn and I realised I was totally responsible with no support network in our new environment.

I became anxious as house problems accumulated, missing my trusted friends and the familiar environment.

With a winter of exceptional gloom, I realised my depression was spiralling downwards, and even contemplated suicide as a way out of the regret I felt over my decisions. My husband did not know how to handle the situation.

I attended my surgery and a GP prescribed medication and referred me to a Wellbeing Counsellor, Genevieve, who had six phone sessions with me, listened, gave me targets to work on, suggested agencies who might offer additional help, and enthused when steps of progress were shared.

As a result, I have made visits back to our friends where we were. Despite his initial opposition, my husband is giving thought to a return together, to the previous town we lived in.

I feel more accepting that this was a move we had to make, much has been learned from it, but it’s not the end of the journey….