Managing Stress and Depression During Home Renovations

Remodeling your home can be a daunting task, with delays, cost overruns, and intimidating contractors. But for some, it's a dream they'd rather not wake up from. Kevin White, a clinical psychologist from Providence, Rhode Island, has some advice on how to manage the stress of a renovation. According to a recent Toolstation survey, 60 percent of home renovations have an impact on overall well-being.

It's important to maintain your routine during the renovation process in order to feel more “normal” when your home is in disarray. If you can rent a place or stay with family during certain parts of the renovation, it will be beneficial for your mental health. Living in the house while it's being renovated can be overwhelming due to the lack of space, time, and privacy. Additionally, the noise and frequency of contractors can be draining.

The survey also found that women are more affected by home renovations than men; 65 percent of women reported that their well-being declined during renovations compared to 50 percent of men. It's easy to let production run out on projects that don't involve essential rooms such as remodeling the second bathroom or guest room. Home renovations can also put strain on relationships with partners and family members. Having a “normal” space free from remodeling reminders will be a much needed respite from depression during a home renovation. Christian recommends being in the workplace as much as possible if you can't afford to take time off during construction.

There are many strategies for managing depression during a home renovation such as taking breaks, budgeting, or communicating. It's common to experience stress, anxiety, and frustration when carrying out a home renovation project. It may seem counterintuitive to experience mental health issues while your home is being renovated. It's important to remember that renovations can have an impact on your mental health. To help manage stress and depression during this time, it's important to maintain your routine as much as possible.

If you can't afford to take time off work or rent a place during construction, try to stay in the workplace as much as possible. Additionally, budgeting and communicating with family members can help reduce stress and anxiety. Finally, it's important to remember that home renovations don't have to be overwhelming. With proper planning and communication, you can manage stress and depression during this time. With the right strategies in place, you can make sure that your home renovation project is successful and enjoyable.