While studying for your degree or diploma, your one motivation to get through the stress is that one day it will finally be over and you graduated! You feel a sense of excitement for this day to come.
However, for some students entering the ‘real world’ of work can cause a great deal of anxiety, pressure to be doing something with your life, and stress of not knowing what the next step is. Once they graduate, there is no longer the daily routine a number of students have become accustomed to and this can become overwhelming. In fact, a study carried out by the City Mental Health Alliance in the UK found that 49% of university students had their mental health decline after finishing their studies. It is difficult to transition to a new phase of your life and it’s normal not to actually be excited for it. Yet, there are ways for you to overcome your Post-Grad Blues.
Here are 5 tips to help you deal with it:
1. Talk it out
Talking to other graduates will help you realize that there are a number of other people who also feel anxious and overwhelmed to take this next step in their life. Realizing that you aren’t alone will go a long way in helping you overcome your Post-Grad Blues.
2. Maintain a routine
If you didn’t immediately find a job after graduating, then your life might lack structure which leaves you feeling disorganized and anxious. By structuring your day with some time to work on your CV, applying for jobs, and leaving room for some outdoor activities, will give you more of a purpose in your life.
3. Don’t be hard on yourself
Graduating and leaving the life that you knew is something big. Give yourself time to become accustomed to your new life without being hard on yourself. Allow yourself to relax and have a break after all those years spent studying! This is a good way to learn to appreciate the good moments in life.
4. Don’t compare yourself to others
Comparing yourself to others can be a dangerous trap. You see some people have already found jobs or they know exactly what their next step in life is going to be, and you wish you did too. However, comparing yourself to others can damage your self-esteem and make you feel even worse. Just remember that everyone has a different path in life which doesn’t mean that you won’t find yours.
5. Find professional help
If you’re still finding it difficult to overcome your Post-Grad Blues, seeking professional help can put you on the right track to improve your overall mental well-being.
If you are feeling overwhelmed at having graduated, remember that you’re not alone. Try the above simple but helpful tips to make you feel ready to handle the next chapter in your life.
If you think that you can benefit from professional support on this issue you can reach out here.
Mandy Brincat is a Gestalt psychotherapist who enjoys working therapeutically with adults on various issues. These include general mental health and wellbeing. She also has experience working with anxiety, victims of domestic violence and eating disorders.
References:
- Jamon, P. (2019). Making it Work – building a better future for mental health in the workplace. Citymha.org.uk. Retrieved from https://citymha.org.uk/docs//13.08.19.Graduate.research.new.branding.pdf.
- Scholefield, P. (2020). Five Tips For Coping With Post Uni Blues. Give A Grad A Go. Retrieved from https://www.giveagradago.com/news/2020/07/five-tips-for-coping-with-post-uni-blues/521.
- Wack, M. (2022). Just Graduated? Ways To Combat Post-College Depression | BetterHelp. Betterhelp.com. Retrieved from https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/depression/just-graduated-ways-to-combat-post-college-depression/.