I love Arlington and DC. Living here the past 10 years has felt like a privilege most days due to the incredible access we have to politics, the arts, business, diversity, food, and more. However, city life also comes with its challenges, particularly concerning our mental health.

There are unique stressors inherent to living in an urban environment. Metro can be overcrowded, delayed, (or on fire!) and requires flexibility with sudden route changes or subway incidents. There is noise pollution almost everywhere you turn, and the rent is too damn high. Arlington/DC is so great because it’s buzzing with activity, this also makes it hard to focus and hear yourself think.

Unfortunately, that kind of pressure and routine annoyances take a toll on our mental health. “Researchers have found that urbanites are 21 percent more likely to have anxiety disorders,” says  Healthline. That means we are more vulnerable than those living in suburban or rural environments to living with anxiety, depression, PTSD, or even conditions like substance abuse. The constant stimulation can lead to anxiety.

If you recently transitioned to Northern Virginia (NoVa) or Washington, DC you might be experiencing anxiety after moving to a new city for the first time or living on your own in your twenties and thirties. Often, transplants report feeling particularly drained and burned out as they adjust to new sights and daily rhythms while trying to build new relationships and friendships.

If you have developed anxiety after moving to the district, here are some suggestions for how to manage your anxiety during the relocation process.

Be patient as you build a new social circle in Arlington and DC. Your effort to create new connections is a valuable investment of time and energy for your mental health. One of the most substantial ways to relieve stress and anxiety is to decrease loneliness. Beyond that, prioritizing rest, eating healthy and staying physically active are all powerful stress reducers.

Living with anxiety in a new city can be tough, but you have what it takes to cope with the challenges it presents. If you don’t feel like you can manage the stress of your current lifestyle in Northern Virginia or DC get help. There is no glory in suffering alone. Part of being healthy and resilient is reaching out for support when life becomes too difficult. 

In anxiety therapy, you can learn how to enjoy life and better handle the stress you face, one victory at a time.