Facing the Post-Graduation Slump

I guess I haven’t felt like myself lately. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think I’m depressed or anything, but I just feel…down. I really am glad that I finally graduated. With all the work I did over four very long years, who wouldn’t be happy to finally be done with school? But I guess I’m just scared of what lies ahead. Some of my friends already have jobs and others are planning on moving to different cities in search of an adventure, but I have no idea what’s coming my way. Was my hard work done in vain?

Graduates who experience a post-graduation slump can sometimes feel as if it will never subside. Share on X

It’s now been over a month after graduation season and many young adults are ready to make the jump into something new and exciting. While many high school graduates are packing their bags and gearing up for collegiate life, college grads are just about ready to take full control of their careers. However, this isn’t the case for every graduate. In fact, many are still frightened and unaware of what the next step is going to be. At Rice Psychology Group in Tampa, we know this stage in your life can be scary, but by recognizing what you’re feeling, you’ll be able to take the first step towards a clearer future.

Graduation can often bring feelings of stress and fear, but you don’t have to let yourself be overwhelmed. Let us help you work towards feeling better.

Feeling Blue

Education plays a big part in our lives. From a young age, we spend Monday through Friday sitting in a classroom with a close group of peers, completing our schoolwork and living life with familiar faces. When we reach college, we’re given the freedom to choose our own classes, stay up late with a new set of friends and grow even more, but still within an established framework. Then, just like that, we’re moving out of our dorm, grabbing our diploma and taking the first step out into the “real world”.

For some, this transition is, or at least seems, seamless, but others struggle to find their footing. After graduation, the familiarity of structure and predictability disappears and graduates can be left with expectations that may often be difficult to meet immediately. While everyone experiences their own struggles and emotions in different ways, some of the most common signs of post-graduation stress or depression can include:

• Feeling as if you’ve lost control over your life
• Feeling as if there’s no support from your loved ones following your graduation
• Feeling as if you’ve failed due to not finding a job in your area of specialty in a time you deem reasonable
• Sleeplessness, irritability or feeling overwhelmingly tired
• Averting normal activities

Out of the Slump

Graduates who experience a post-graduation slump can sometimes feel as if it will never subside. However, keep in mind that these feelings can begin to disappear once you adjust to your new environment and responsibilities. By recognizing your feelings, you can take the first step towards achieving your personal and professional goals and best interests. It’s additionally important to remember:

• Not to let uncertainty of the future overwhelm you – According to Dr. Lisa Firestone, psychologist and author, “Anxiety can be a serious psychological condition that limits us in our interactions, our development and our general state of mind.” That is to say, your anxiety can make you limit and doubt yourself, keeping you from reaching your potential.
• The present doesn’t necessarily indicate your future – Students tend to map their entire lives immediately after graduation, but this can cause too much unwanted stress. Remember, while society may tell you to have your entire life in order after graduation, the reality is that it takes time.
• Take a moment to enjoy yourself – Graduation is just the first step in a new part of your life, so take time to enjoy it all. Be happy, enjoy your hobbies and stay true to yourself during this transition.

...your anxiety can make you limit and doubt yourself, keeping you from reaching your potential. Share on X

Rice Psychology Group is Ready to Help

As summer trots along, graduates from around the nation are asking themselves what the next step in their life is going to be. The answer can often be difficult to find, but this doesn’t mean you should let your emotions and worries get the better of you. If you feel as if the anxiety is just too much to bear, or if you want help understanding your feelings, don’t hesitate to contact Rice Psychology Group.

Graduation is just the first step in a new part of your life, so take time to enjoy it all. Share on X

Our Tampa psychologists are ready to help you work towards recognizing, understanding and dealing with the issues that may be keeping you from feeling normal. With Rice Psychology Group, you won’t have to worry about having to speak with a traditional psychologist. We ensure that our conversations and environments are as comfortable as possible to help you feel at ease as we talk with you. Contact us in Tampa today for more information about what we can do for you.