Change in Scenery for Mental Health

I think a change in scenery can develop into a change in thinking or at the least, a distraction from negative thinking.

It’s like going to a new place and realizing that the world is much bigger than your problems. Or discovering that you do not have to be limited to living the way that you live.

Having a change in scenery can give you a different perspective.

It may be a good way to decrease stress depending on what you are doing. You might engage in some enjoyable activities and decide to do them more often.

However, sometimes this doesn’t happen.

Sometimes even after a change in scenery, people continue to suffer from depression. This would more than likely be a person that suffers from clinical depression which is more biochemical and probably needs medication for improvement.

Also sometimes, you could think changing scenery could be a good thing, but if you take the same problems with you, it might not be what you expected.

Some people are willing to change location, but not willing to change the way they think.

For example, once I thought moving to another town was going to be so much better than my hometown. I just felt this new fresh start was going to help me to thrive beyond what I could imagine. However, I did a lot of the same things I did in my hometown including not going out, not making connections with people, having the same unpredictable routine, and focusing on the same problems.

Sometimes the real work is what’s happening within you.

-Asha Griffin

If you want to get the most benefit out of a change in scenery, you have to be willing to transform within as well. It’s like they say “doing the same thing and expecting different results”.

It’s okay to want to relocate physically, but what about shifting the way we see ourselves as well?

I have not traveled much during my lifetime, but I consider myself well traveled in my mind. I am willing to go places within in order to take on a different perspective to allow me to expand in this world.

Nonetheless, I still think a change in scenery would be good for anyone who wants it, even if it doesn’t stop depression. It may give someone something to look forward to and feel good about. But don’t forget to look within when you get there. You might find what you been look for all along.

Has a change in scenery help to improve your mental health? Comment Below!

Published by Asha Griffin, MA, LPC, NCC, BC-TMH

I am Asha Griffin, a licensed professional counselor in South Carolina. I am dedicated to improving the mental health of others and helping them to "tend to their gardens". My goal is to inspire people in finding better balance in their lives.

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