Dealing With Post-Graduation Blues
Written By: Nicole Chinery | 2024
You’ve worn the robe, tossed the cap and walked down the stage a degree hotter, both literally and figuratively but the question lingers on: “Now what?” A good number of graduates report feeling anxious and somewhat disoriented after graduating. After spending years living by due dates and by the academic calendar, it is normal and even expected to feel a little lost. These feelings are further intensified by the impending job search in this economic climate wherein the job market is, well, not so warm and welcoming.
As with dealing with any other life transition, the first step would be to acknowledge and feel all the feelings because the only way out is through. Practicing self-compassion and patience should first and foremost be a priority during these uncertain times where life as you’ve known has been knocked off its axis and you are without the solace of familiarity to ground yourself. Love yourself through this transition by validating your feelings and by being kind to yourself as you enter a new phase in life.
With the death of an era comes the birth of a new one and graduation represents a new beginning hence the bittersweetness of it all. This is not to downplay the fear newness can bring, on the contrary. I say this to inspire a shift in perspective as another way to cope with post graduation blues. I agree that being launched into newness can be rather nauseating. Nonetheless, it can also be very exciting with all that is to be explored now within the reach of our fingers. So take that cooking class, go roller skating, reignite friendships that were strained during the power hour of the final year prior to graduating and allow yourself to explore new ways of being as you ease into it. Goodbyes and hellos go hand-in-hand so allow yourself to bask in the opportunity to rebrand and reinvent yourself.
Amidst the novelty of it all, a quick and sudden 180 degree turn over is not exactly the healthiest approach to navigating Post Graduation Blues. As such, the last tip from Elmi Counselling and Wellness is to reinforce some sort of routine or structure into your life, especially one that caters for your mental and physical needs to give yourself as much support and some semblance of control.
Recognizing that again this is a major life transition, Elmi Counselling and Wellness offers support and professional help to better equip us with the tools that would empower and support us as we adjust to these changes and make the most out of life post graduation.