Hi all, I have a query.

I find a very large factor in my emotional state is location however I'm not sure why and many times it doesn't make much sense.

For example, I recently returned from visiting some friends in the city I went to Uni in. I had a wonderful time and was in really high spirits; spending time with people who love and care about me and enjoying the bustling environment. However I return home where it is a lot quieter but peaceful and I feel...really down.

Now the obvious answer seems to be that my friends are situated in the first city and that's why my mood lifted but I feel that even without them there I would have felt better. After having a think I feel that certain locations to me denote a feeling of dependence (and entrapment) and others independence (freedom).

I was really happy while at Uni and that city makes me feel like I can do anything, whenever I am ready, in my own time; I can live my life for me. Where as at home, with my mum to answer too (but even without her necessarily) I feel a lot of pressure and as though I am not in control of my life and it's course. I think some areas make me feel nostalgic also, but in a negative way; likely harking back to a time when I was a child and therefore dependent.

I definitely feel I'll be happier when I move out but I don't have the money currently, I also feel I want to move away from the area/county I was raised but I don't know where to go. I would go back to my uni's city but sadly the job market there is really poor (my friends for example have been trying to find consistent, secure and relevant employment there for 2 years; nothing, they're now all planning to move back to their home towns).

I approach my therapist about this during my therapy in late 2013 but found it very difficult to put into words. Does anyone else just get a vibe or atmos from a place or geographical location that just makes you feel unhappy or vice versa?