Post-graduation is a difficult period in anyone's life, but now especially with the added uncertainty of COVID, its an even tougher time.
You've finished your course of study, you've finally got your degree, you've graduated. You'll most definitely get questions from family and friends asking what's the next step? Have you had any interviews? What kind of job do you want? Have you applied to anything? And I can say from experience that this can get overwhelming, especially if you're unsure on what your next steps are or if you don't have any idea on what career path you want to go down. And that's totally okay. It's okay not to have a clear plan (most people don't!). It's okay to not know what you want to do after studying. And it's definitely okay not to be okay (and to admit that to people). You get used to some kind of routine when you're in university, and when that finishes it can be tough to adjust.
I'm at the stage of my life where all my friends and the people my age are at different stages of life and sometimes I tend to compare myself to others, I should be doing this or I should have done that by now, and that kind of thinking can impact the way you feel. We just have to keep reminding ourselves that we all have our own paths, there aren't certain ages where you have to hit particular milestones to feel successful. Everyone has different things going on because we have different lives. You make your own path, the decisions you make, the actions you take, all lead you to different things. So, when you start comparing yourself to someone else, just remind yourself you're at a different chapter in your life. Comparison is a big thing in my life and for the majority of us and I definitely have a lot to say on this topic ... so maybe watch out for another post?
Anyway, back to what this post is really about - post-graduation blues ...
I personally don't think there is a lot of awareness around what 'post-graduation blues' really is and I feel like it is a big thing. It's a big transitional period in a young persons life and I don't think there is a lot of information out there/support for people graduating university.
A lot of people live out whilst in university so once that is over, they move back to their family home, away from all the friends they've made, feeling less independence and possibly back to feeling like a child. It's a difficult thing to navigate. However, this wasn't my experience as I lived at home during my undergrad and postgrad but I do know how it feels to feel lost and anxious about what the next steps will be (plus it is a big change!).
Why do people experience this?
There are a number of reasons why young adults experience low moods after graduating from university...
- the struggle to adapt to change
- fear of the unknown
- comparison to friends
- feeling lost
- the pressure of finding a job
- lack of structure
A lot of the following tips you probably all know will help combat a low mood but I will try to specify them more to the post-graduation situation...
- Finding a job after graduating is a tough process and numerous rejections can take a toll on your mental wellbeing. It can make you feel like you're not good enough and on top of that you're comparing yourself with your friends and other people's journeys to getting a job and it's a nightmare combination!! One tip is to remind yourself IT IS NOT A RACE. So what if all your friends have found a job and you're still looking? This is your journey, your life and it won't look the same as others and that's perfectly okay! You have to keep perserving and you WILL find that job you've been looking for, even if it takes a little longer to find than others. Additionally, dedicate certain times during the week to looking and applying for jobs, this will hopefully make you feel organised and productive.
- Keeping active! - Physical health is seen to be linked to Mental health, so keeping active each week will improve your mood. Go for walks, try yoga, stretches, running ... my personal fave is going cycling. Being out in nature really keeps my spirits high.
- Communication - It might not be clear but your close friends or relatives may be feeling the exact same way you do, so it's always nice to talk to someone close to you about how you're feeling and make you realise you are not alone.
In my personal opinion, I do not think there is enough support provided from universities post-graduation or even towards the end of finishing your course of study. The transition from finishing studying to going out in the "real world" is a tough one, so it is okay if you need extra support in navigating the changes you're going through.
This is a sign for anyone who feels like they are struggling, go get help before it's too late or your feelings get worse. You've made it through university, congrats! Now see this next stage of your life as an adventure.
You got this!
Amrita xx
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