Coping with Post Graduation Depression
Introduction:
Life after graduation can be tough. If you’ve felt down since graduation, you aren’t
alone. Sometimes these symptoms may start affecting day-to-day activities.
Post-graduation depression is a type of situational depression, where a person has
depressive symptoms that occur after he finishes graduation. Sometimes, the event of
graduating is extremely overwhelming to deal with.
Causes:
Graduating is a big step in anyone’s life. It is often the first time someone is not in
school, and there are many new adult pressures, to add to this, humans tend to
compare themselves with others.
These are a few common causes for Post graduation depression:
● The pressure of finding a job: Finding a job can be overwhelming, especially
when you are rejected.
● Moving back to home: Home might not be a comfortable place for all.
● Loneliness: Friends may leave for jobs/ Higher education, which may make you
feel alone.
● Comparison: Comparing ourselves with others may harm our self-esteem.
● Overwhelming with the next steps and changes: finding an apartment, paying
student loans, getting a job, choosing benefits at work, and so on may seem too
much to handle.
Signs
● Overwhelming melancholy
● future concern
● sense of loss/aimlessness
● trouble sleeping
● changes in eating
● social withdrawal
Preventing post-graduation depression
● Create a post-graduation plan that specifies your professional goals and job-
search strategies while you are still in school.
● To stay in touch, and maintain a strong network of family and friends. Tell them about
your feelings and seek their counsel.
● Set realistic expectations. Be prepared for setbacks and disappointments along
the way in your career and acknowledge that ambiguity is a typical occurrence.
● Make self-care activities like exercise, mindfulness, and hobbies a priority to aid
in stress management.
● Stay positive and focus on your goals.
● Participate in networking events to broaden your career options.
Coping Mechanisms
● Stay Connected: Make an effort to contact your close people regularly. Social
support can provide emotional stability during this transition.
● Practice Mindfulness: Engage yourself in mindfulness activities like
meditation, deep breathing, or yoga to manage stress and anxiety.
● Learn from Rejections: Rejection is a part of life. Grow from it.
● Consider Additional Education: If job prospects in your field are limited,
consider further education or training to make yourself more marketable.
● Seek Professional Help: If feelings of depression persist and interfere with your
daily life, consider seeking help from a mental health professional.
Key Takeaways for Post-Graduation Depression
It is essential to recognize and validate your emotions. Post-graduation depression is a
common experience, and you are not alone in feeling this way. Instead of succumbing
to the pressure of landing a dream job immediately, set realistic expectations for your
post-graduation journey. Maintain connections with friends and classmates. Social
support is crucial during this transition. Seek professional help to learn coping
strategies. Practice Self-Care regularly. Physical health often has a profound impact on
mental health. Create short-term and long-term goals for yourself. Setting a routine can
provide structure and a sense of purpose. Consider taking up new hobbies or enrolling
in skill-building courses. Networking can open doors to career opportunities. Reach out
to alumni, attend job fairs, and seek mentorship from professionals in your field of
interest. Their guidance can be invaluable.
Importance of Professional Counseling: A friend or family member may listen to you, but they aren’t professionally, technically qualified, or experienced to offer you professional advice. If you wish you can contact us at MindTribe to receive help from our team of expert psychologists.
About MindTribe.in.
MindTribe Founder Dr. Prerna Kohli, India’s eminent psychologist, established the company to leverage the strength of the online to make counseling affordable and accessible to everyone. MindTribe provides counseling, workshops, support groups, forums, and eLearning.
About the Author.
Supritha H P, Himant Talukdar, and Shweta Patel are psychologists at MindTribe.in.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of MindTribe.in, the Founders, or management team.
Acknowledgement: All images used are open source and from Unsplash.