When your routine is disrupted

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You know when your routine is disrupted and you just don't feel right or even angry if you can't get back into it, or maybe you need a routine in order to get anything done? Well, try this one on for size.

I moved into a new house so naturally I would not be able to follow my regular routine, may even have to change it. OK, that's fine - if only it stopped there.

The moving van carrying all my clothes and desks and necessary parts of my computer and mobile phone charger broke down, so now I am literally living off the clothes on my back and they are getting stinky. Sure, my sister whom I have moved in with has offered me some clothes but I still don't feel right. One, there is hardly any clothes in my regular style. My brother has managed to give me the parts I need to at least get my computer started and my phone charged.

Now I'm left to buy my own food and some temporary clothes (especially underwear) and I'll have to get a bus ticket, take the right bus into town or walk or the way on my own. I've never had to this this before so naturally I'm worried. And it's a big loud city and I just moved from a small town.

Funny thing is the only time I had a meltdown was over not being able to find a pair of black studded jeans that actually fit me and looked good but mysteriously vanished from my room. This is also one of those houses where 6-10 people be at once and a few will stay over.

I realise now that I can only do what needs to be done because it's just me here and my cat, and I've got to take care of her as well. She even has more food than me right now and at least gets to eat meat. I live in an all but one (me) vegetarian house.
I've had my shut down, time to take control.

It sounds like you're working really hard to deal with a very difficult situation. I'm not sure that I could deal with it as well as you. You should be really proud of yourself.

Moving house alone is hard, but moving to a new city, and unexpected issues along the way would surely throw most people off. I know it's time to "take control", but make sure you pace yourself and get plenty of time alone. And try to plan your trip into the city as much as possible and have with you something that brings you comfort/distraction. Have you moved to Sydney? I can give you any tips you need. Goodluck.

I tend to get really defiant until I can go off by myself for a bit. Make sure you are taking some time you need to get away from everything. Also try to establish a new routine as quickly as you can... even if it is just little things. Hope you are doing ok there!

Having my work area changed caused me so much stress and spikes in my blood pressure that I believe it contributed to my congestive heart failure in 2005. The changed happened in the spring and by October I was in an ICU for five days coming very close to my lungs filling full of fluid almost killing me.

Moving is EXTREMELY stressful. That's why I've only moved twice in my life and why, instead of moving, I'm just gonna pay more rent when my roommate moves out in a month.

How much mental preparation time did you have before the move? If it was not enough time (ie. several months) that may be why you are close to shutting down.

Just try to deal with one thing at a time. Food is most important for you right now. Im a vegetarian too and, when I moved to Japan, I lived off Powerbars for a week until I could deal with searching for vegetarian food. After that was taken care of, I got my room in order and then clothing etc.

My routines are vulnerable to disruption and can mess me up for days at a time. A move like that - which you describe? - would wreck me until at least the moving van finally arrived.

I also hate getting around in a new town without help/guidance/company. I'm usually pretty good about getting around on my own once I know the place, but until then I really prefer to have help.

I hope things straighten out soon, and that you can or did find someone to help you with your shopping.

I'm sorry things are rough for you now. Do you at least have a place in your new house where you can be by yourself for a bit? Maybe you can put some comforting things there with you.

I don't know how to follow a routine...so I am usually open to distractions.

I'm especially pleased to hear your cat's ok! Judging by the fact that you're looking after him/her well you are doing very well. An animal that you care about will pull you through.

Moving house is the pits, I should know, I've moved a dozen times at least in my life so far (incl a change of countries). You sound organised to me. Now go and get some proper food for yourself!