Coping Up With Post Graduation Depression 

Some people might think that depression only happens during college, but others fail to realize that some students still suffer depression even after graduation. Some graduate students succumb to depression due to the pressure of finding work or the inability to find one. 

Others get attached and have invested so much in their college life that they find it hard to detach from it. College life has become a significant part of their identity, that graduating makes them feel that a piece of them has been taken away.

What are the other factors that cause post-graduation depression?

To learn how to cope with post-graduation depression, one must understand the triggers or factors that lead to it. 

Transition Period

Remember when you have to transition your life from being a high school student to a freshman in college? Now imagine yourself going through that same process again, only this time your mindset would be shifting from being a student to becoming a working adult.

Culture Shock

Some students find it challenging to adjust to life after graduation. Though you are given a chance to experience an independent life in college, living in the real world is still a whole different ball game. These students might think that they already understand life in the real world only to be surprised at what life looks like outside the walls of their university.

Quarter-life Crisis

It is a feeling that usually happens to a person during their twenties. Coincidentally this is the same time most students graduate as well. A quarter-life crisis is a time when a person starts to doubt themselves, their purpose, and their values. It is also the time wherein they suffer emotional turmoils that include isolation and fear of failure.

If not addressed early, depression can lead to more severe repercussions. That is why you must try to cope with it as soon as you realize that you are suffering from it. 

Now here are some ways on how you can prevent and cope up with post-graduation depression.

Create A Plan

It is one of the best solutions to prevent depression after college. Since the transition period is one of the factors that cause depression, you need to create a plan for living your life after graduation. Unlike in college, where getting basic needs is easy, life outside the university wall is more challenging. Therefore you need to set your expectation for you to have a smooth transition.

Find Ways To Manage Your Stressors

Depression usually happens when certain stressors are triggered. So this means that if you can manage your stressors, you would be able to avert getting depressed. Engage yourself in various activities such as exercising, creating stress management routines, or meditations.

Explore Your Career Opportunities

Failing to get a job often causes someone to fall into depression. To prevent this scenario from happening, you need to prepare to secure your employment. Utilize your universities’ resources, such as career counselors and employment agencies, to assist you in the job search process.

Create a “S.M.A.R.T” Goal

SMART is the acronym for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-Bound. When setting your goal, it would be beneficial if you followed these five simple guidelines. It would allow you to have a more systematic approach towards achieving your goals.

Maintain A Proper Sleeping Habit

So how can sleeping help you cope up with depression? Having proper sleep improves your mental health and reduces stress and anxiety. It allows you to keep your stress to a more manageable level, reducing the chance of depression.

Surround Yourself With The Proper Support Group

When dealing with depression, it would help if you surround yourself with people who can support you and guide you. It would be best to vent out your emotions, and a simple chat with your friends or family can help you achieve this. 

Keep in mind that depression should not be taken lightly. Many people do not even know that they are suffering from depression until it’s already too late. If you feel you are suffering from one or know someone, help them and talk to them. Sometimes all they need is someone to talk to and someone who would listen.