For the past four years, you’ve been in the same town, surrounded by the same friends and classmates.
You’ve grown to love the area, the restaurants, bars, sporting events, activities, and more.
You grew comfortable, became content, happy even. You were satisfied with where you were, what you were doing, and who you surrounded yourself with. Life was good.
But graduation changed everything. Changes have been happening left and right, and you can’t see to find stable footing in this post-graduation world.
Are you experiencing depression after graduating from college? You’re not alone. Let’s find out why this may be happening.
The Job Search
One of the most common struggles and stressors for new grads is finding a job after college. Some are lucky enough to find one while they’re still attending classes, but the stress only piles on once you’re graduated and are still on the job hunt. Searching for a job after graduation can bring on feelings of self-doubt, depression, and frustration.
Added Stressors
Graduating from college means taking on more responsibilities. Graduating means that you’re making your own money, so you may be taking on more financial obligations as well as tasks or chores that your parents may have helped with while you were attending college. Added responsibilities could include grocery shopping, cooking meals for yourself, paying for rent, utilities, gas, insurance, and more.
Lack of Social Activities
When you’re in college, you’re surrounded by people almost all the time, whether it’s a roommate, a friend, a professor, or classmates. When you graduate, you may move back home or move into your own apartment. Post-graduation life can feel lonely, especially compared to college. Make sure you’re trying to make new friends. Sign up for activities you’re interested in to meet new people. And don’t forget about your college friends either. You can always plan get-togethers or meet-ups when your schedules allow it. Graduating doesn’t have to mean that you lose those friendships.
How to Move Forward
If you’re struggling with post-graduation depression, you’re not alone. You may be feeling like this now, but you won’t feel like this forever. Change takes time. There are a few things you can do on your end to try to help cope with how you’re feeling.
Lean On Your Support System
Depression can make you feel like you’re alone. Your friends and family are there for you. You just may need to ask for help. Share how you’re feeling. There’s a good chance that your friends or classmates are experiencing the same type of feelings. Connecting with someone who is feeling the same way can help you not feel so alone.
Make Positive Lifestyle Changes
There’s a huge connection between the body and the brain. Make sure you’re taking care of yourself and meeting your basic human needs. This means eating healthy and well-balanced meals during the day. Try to eat foods that are nutritious and avoid or limit alcohol or foods that are high in sugar and fat.
Sleep is just as important as fueling your body properly. Make sure you’re aiming for at least eight hours of sleep each night. Getting on a sleep schedule of going to bed at the same time each night and waking up at the same time each morning can help your body and brain naturally adjust.
Seek Additional Support
You’re not alone if you’re experiencing depression post-graduation. Change is hard. When you live a certain way for a certain time frame, it can be hard to adjust to a different way of living. Graduating from college is a big change.
If you’re struggling with your mental health after graduation, a licensed and trained medical professional will be able to help get you back to your happy, normal self again. Reach out to us today to set up a consultation for depression therapy. Serving Boulder, Longmont and Denver.
