Post-Graduation Depression: Why Is Graduating College So Stressful?
If you’re like many people, you probably imagined your college graduation to be a happy event. You’ve probably been working toward this accomplishment for many years, and finally reaching this goal is an occasion to be celebrated – right?
In reality, while yes – college graduation is absolutely an achievement worth celebrating – many graduates find that they don’t feel as happy or relieved as they expected to. On the contrary, you may find yourself feeling overwhelmed with emotions like uncertainty, confusion, and emptiness.
This is sometimes called post-graduation depression, and if it’s affecting you, know that you’re not alone – and that the right support can help you cope.
Why am I not happy after graduating college?
Although college graduation is an important life achievement that you deserve to feel proud of yourself for, it also is a time of great transition – and all life transitions, whether they’re “happy” or not, cause stress.
When you graduate college, it may seem like everything in your life has been turned upside down.
Your daily schedule may drastically change. In college, you had your class schedule to give form to your days, but after graduation, especially if you don’t get a full-time job right away, you may find yourself with no time commitments. This can feel freeing and frightening at the same time.
You may not have the same social network that you did in college. Your friends and classmates may move away. You were likely used to being surrounded by friends and acquaintances, and now, you may find yourself having to make new friends.
You, yourself, may move away. You could move back home with your family or to another city for a job.
College graduation and grief
Many students also find it hard to cope with the loss of identity that graduation brings. For so many years, you were a “student.” This role defines people to different degrees, but the more you identified with it, the harder it may be to let go. Losing your identity as “student” is a valid loss just like any other, and it can bring along emotional pain and grief.
Add this to the grief of losing other aspects of your life like your support system and living situation, and it’s easy to understand why college graduation is so difficult for so many.
Uncertainty about the future
When you graduate college, you’re also suddenly faced with an uncertain future. In college, you were given specific sets of rules and instructions that you needed to follow in order to succeed: go to class every day; study for exams; participate in discussions.
But when you graduate and are thrown into the “real world,” everything may feel uncertain. Many graduates say that they no longer know what they’re supposed to be doing in order to succeed in adult life, and that the learning curve is steep. The rules have changed; for many, there is no longer a clear path to success. You may not know yet what you even want to be doing, and the options seem limitless. This can be exciting, but also very frightening.
Today’s economic climate brings another level of fear. Some graduates may not be able to find jobs in their fields right away, which can exacerbate feelings of uncertainty and stress.
Age risk for depression
To top it off, many college graduates are in their early 20s; young adults are at higher risk of depression overall. You may be at even higher risk depending on:
Genetics and family history (if you have a close family member who has depression, then you may be at higher risk)
Other health conditions, including chronic pain and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
A personal history of depression or other mood disorders
Other stressful or traumatic life events
How to cope with post-grad depression
Some people may be able to cope with post-graduation depression by using self-help techniques and making lifestyle changes.
Here are some tips that can help:
Be compassionate with yourself. Graduation is a valid loss and a difficult transition for many. Don’t beat yourself up or try to force yourself to feel differently about this time in your life. Acknowledge how you’re feeling. It’s okay not to be in a celebratory mood.
Stay connected with your support network. One of the hardest things about graduating is that you may no longer be in physical proximity with your friends. But having a strong social support system is also one of the most helpful things for your mental health. Even if you and your friends have to move away from each other, use methods like social media and FaceTime to keep in touch. This can blunt the shocking impact of losing contact with them.
Stick to a daily routine. The loss of a class schedule when you graduate can be disorienting. You can minimize the effects of this by creating a daily routine for yourself – and sticking to it. Even if you haven’t found employment yet, you can make a schedule for yourself to apply to jobs and learn new skills.
Get professional therapy for post-graduation depression
You could also benefit from seeing a therapist, especially if your depression symptoms don’t go away or they get in the way of your day-to-day life. A therapist can help you learn more about yourself and what this transition means for you, manage the stress, depression, and anxiety of this time in healthier ways, and set meaningful goals for the future.
At North Star Psychological Services, we have therapists on our team who specialize in helping teens and young adults work through these types of transitions. Contact us to schedule a free consultation; if you’re a young adult going through post-college or any other transition, ask for a consultation with Molly Rosenstein. We’re looking forward to working together.
