“Post-graduation depression” describes depressive symptoms that occur after a person finishes college or university. Although it is not a medically recognized term, it is an experience many young adults may relate to.
There appears to be a distinct pattern of young adults developing depression after finishing their last year of college. This may be due to a combination of factors that can have a significant impact on mental health.
Potential Causes of Post-Graduation Depression
Causes and factors that may lead a person to experience post-graduation depression include:
Experiencing transition
Major life changes, such as changes in living conditions or a new job, can cause distress. In the same way, the transition period after leaving college can be stressful due to the many uncertainties and changes in circumstances it can create.
Employment uncertainty
Having difficulty finding a job in a challenging economy can be discouraging and impact a person’s self-confidence.
Loss of a social network
After completing university, people may begin to lose social connections made over several years. This may cause them to experience social isolation, which can lead to symptoms of depression.
Financial stress
The financial and psychological burden of student loan debt may contribute to mental health issues.
Age
According to research, most mental health conditions present by age 25 or earlier.
Lack of structure
Some people may experience a lack of structure in their daily life after college and before finding a job. No longer having a set schedule and specific classes and events to attend can be a difficult adjustment. This may cause a person to experience symptoms of depression.
World events
World events can have a significant impact on mental health. For example, the World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic triggered a 25% increase in the prevalence of anxiety and depression worldwide.
Multiple factors
A range of these factors can combine to contribute to or aggravate the symptoms a person living with post-graduation depression may experience. For example, a lack of motivation can make it more challenging for new graduates to find a job, an already difficult process. This can cause feelings of failure, which may worsen depression symptoms.
Additionally, a person may try to manage these symptoms by self-medicating with alcohol or illegal drugs. In some cases, this strategy may lead a person to develop dependence or an alcohol use disorder.
However, many treatments and supports are available for people who experience any of the above symptoms.
Ways to cope
There are a number of options available to help a person manage their mental health. For example, a combination of exercise and mindful practices with medication and talking therapy can be beneficial.
Post-graduation depression can have its specific challenges. To help manage their health during this period, people can try:
- Taking care of basic needs: It is important for a person to try to plan and prepare for the next period of their life, including meeting basic needs such as accommodation and food. People can then focus on other aspects that may improve their quality of life.
- Developing a support network: Maintaining social interaction is important for well-being. As such, people may consider reconnecting with old friends or trying to meet new people at local meetups.
- Creating a daily routine involving exercise: Preserving structure is crucial to help maintain mental health and wellness. Taking regular light exercise can also be beneficial for mental health.
A person approaching the end of their education may want to consider the following strategies to manage potential stressors and help prevent post-grad depression:
- exploring career opportunities or additional schooling ahead of finishing
- finding accommodation, whether this involves returning home or to a new location
- developing a plan to create a support system
- connecting with mental health counselors to discuss emotional changes during this transitional period
- developing a daily schedule to help manage mental health
Excerpted from “How to Deal with Post-Graduation Depression” in MedicalNewsToday. Read the full article online.
