A little over 4 months ago I graduated from graduate school. It was my second graduation and the days leading up to the big day were filled with excitement, high expectations for the future, and the anticipation of what I thought would be a calmer & freer life. I began a new job, met new people, and began to really invest in my career. All of a sudden, my new life became filled with sadness, anxiety, and a deep longing for my past-college self. I found myself spending countless hours looking back at old pictures, friendships, and memories. The grief I felt was so deep, I began to resent my new life in a way I never thought I would. For most grads walking across the stage is the moment of their life that brings so much growth & fulfillment. Sadly for most it can be the complete opposite.
So, join me as I become vulnerable and give you a small look into how the last 4 months have been the saddest yet most fulfilling months since graduation.
What is Post-Grad Depression?
Although post-grad depression is not clinically diagnosed, nor I have been diagnosed, it is most definitely a phenomenon that many new grads find themselves experiencing.
"Post grad depression is a feeling of immense sadness or grief that overcomes you after leaving behind a world you created while in college".
Graduating is a tremendous life change that brings about the end of stability, new forms of rejection, and a sense of being utterly clueless/alone in this new "adult" world. I landed a job right outside of college, but I found myself experiencing rejection more times than I can count.
Countless interviews, rejection emails, and no-call backs were coming every which way. Every time that happened it impacted how I saw myself, my self-worth, and the professional I intended to be. I began to lose passion for my field, enjoyment in things I normally loved, and my routine. I knew something needed to change after I found myself not being able to get out of bed because of how much sadness I was feeling.
I still feel the post-grad depression creeping in here and now, but the 4 things below really help me to deal with it when it comes my way.
How I am tackling post-grad depression head on:
Community
Where I currently work, I am the only new graduate and the only speech-language pathologist. I often find myself feeling alone due to not having like-minded individuals to share the good times and the bad times. I joined a virtual group of SLPs who meet via zoom every Sunday night. Having this community helps me to feel apart of something bigger, refuels me, and helps me to find my passion again.
Hobbies:
Finding something out side of work helps me to de-stress. My new hobbies have been the best things I could have ever done! Beginning this blog & taking on cycling classes has helped me so much. Finding other areas to be passionate about are a must :)
Talking to someone
Thankfully, we live in a time where seeing a therapist is not looked down upon. I recently started seeing a therapist to help work through all that I am feeling. You don't have to have a diagnosis or a mental illness to see a therapist. Sometimes having someone from outside of your world to put in their perspective is all you need!
Acceptance
I began accepting my new self, new life, and new relationships. I realized that holding on to my past life and my past self will only cause me to long for it more. We are not meant to stay in one season of life forever. Just like the seasons change, so do the moments of our life. Each season teaches you something new that you can bring into the next. Every day I am learning, growing, and moving forward.
Whether it be graduation or something completely different, if you are feeling alone or lost following a major life change I challenge you to try the 4 things above. Find a new community that builds you up, find your passion, talk to someone (a friend or a therapist), and accept that the past was only meant to develop you for where you are now.
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