What Is Post Grad Depression And How To Get Through It
Post grad depression is more common that we think. But what is it, exactly? It is important to understand it in order to learn how to handle it. But don’t worry – we got your back! In this article, you will learn what post-grad depression and how to get through it.
What Is Post-Grad Depression?
Post grad depression is commonly used to describe the extreme sadness and demoralization grads feel after they leave college or university to face the “real world”.
Transitioning to the “real life” after college or university can be pretty stressful. Between finding a new job and living an independent adult life, it is common to experience post grad depression when the outside world don’t meet your expectations. This mostly happens after a series of negative events: difficulties of finding a job, debts repayment, living expenses, loneliness due to friends that move away from you after graduate. The happiness of graduating can be quickly be replaced by the stress of facing the “real world”. This can be enough to trigger a depression.
There are several signs that shows that you are experiencing post grad depression
1. You are worried you are never being able to find a job
Looking for a job is stressful, time-consuming and draining. Being continuously turned down can quickly affect your mood. You have to be perseverant.
2. You don’t know what to do with your life
A lack of a goal to achieve can make you feel empty. You have to figure out what you want to do. It might take time but you will get there eventually.
3. You feel unmotivated
You don’t feel like getting out of the bed and look for a job? If you are desperately trying to find a job without results, you might feel a sense of defeat and become frustrated.
4. You feel like moving backward
You went back living with your parents or taking a job at a bar you used to work can make you feel like you went back to square one?
5. You feel alone
You feel a sense of loneliness as your friends are distancing themselves from you and living their life? Friendship come and go, it’s the cycle of life. Try to not beat yourself up about this.
How To Get Through It
1. Find someone to talk to
You have to remember that you are not the only one who has to go through this. There are plenty of post graduates who have difficulties advancing in life after college or university just like you. They will relate and motivate you to get through this phase.
2. Find your motivation
It’s completely normal that after a series of failure you want to give up. But, you have to remember what you want to do with your life and why you went through all those years of study.
3. Take a break
Sometimes, it’s just better to get away from everything. Go outside and get some fresh air. You can also go on a trip abroad. This will help you gather your thoughts and figure out what you want to do with your life.
4. Stop comparing yourself to others
Your classmates already have a job and a child? So what! Not everyone gets a job right away or marries early. For some people it might take some time. Everyone advance at its own pace. You don’t need to rush things and compete with others.
5. Be persistent
Don’t give up! You will eventually get through this. This is just a phase. You will soon get through it.
6. Be optimistic
Stop moping around and start thinking positively! Good things will come by, you just need to be patient.
