Graduate depression is real. As real as the midlife crisis that hits when a person realizes he’s lived half her life without checking off many of the “to do’s” on his wish list. Although not formally recognized as a medical condition, young people just out of college find themselves involved in things beyond their control. While it’s rare for them to go, they suddenly realize they don’t have the wings to fly. They feel a sense of despondency as they realize that their wings are not yet developed for flight.
One of the reasons young people experience overwhelming stress and depression in their twenties is that there is a huge gap between college and later life, and in many cases, college life does not prepare young people for the transition to adult life. The process can be frightening when young people realize that they would be fine on their own. Their friends from college move to different parts of the country, and the parents’ expectations regarding future life can be too much for the youngsters.
As Juli Fraga, a San Francisco psychologist, explained, “If a student’s college experience is mostly positive, the college provides a kind of cocoon: a community of friends, teachers, and mentors who are mostly available to offer support or advice. Graduating symbolizes a leap into ‘adult’ life, which is a big transition.” Students are expected to take on many of the responsibilities of adults, which they may be reluctant to take on. After experiencing freedom in college and being in the company of like-minded people, the sudden rush into the real world can be a jolt for many.
Although postgraduate depression is common, it is rarely discussed to the same extent and breadth as midlife crisis. According to Sheryl Ziegler, a Colorado-based psychologist and professional counselor, “Young adulthood is not a population that is well studied at all. From a research perspective, it’s hard to categorize them.”
Symptoms
The condition can be characterized by prolonged sadness, functional problems, persistent negativity, lack of confidence and substance abuse, some other visible symptoms are:
Inability to get out of bed: Most millennials are addicted to social media, which in turn can be pretty depressing. For example, the posts of a successful friend from college could throw a young person into the cycle of depression, as they feel that while the rest of the world has it all figured out, they still don’t have a clue. Instead of getting out of bed and looking for work, they go back under the covers.
Feeling alone and isolated: One can feel lonely once the golden period ends. College offers a close-knit family of roommates, sorority sisters and frat brothers, and close friends, but the network shrinks as everyone begins the new journey. Gone are the much-loved events and local interest groups. Young people may also resent the fact that their parents are more demanding than ever and constantly monitor their whereabouts. Feeling alone and isolated, they may turn to drugs.
fear of unemployment: Until the moment a young person settles into a job, the future seems uncertain. Although things work out over time, the prospect of having to do chores on your own and living apart from parents, who provide financial and moral support, can be depressing for many.
Get help as soon as possible
Inhibiting going out into the world to start earning a living is not an easy task at all. One can find endless frustrating experiences. But remaining isolated or remaining inactive is not the answer to the miseries of life. Seeking help from family and friends, and a counselor who can help you deal with stress and cope with life, is critical. Depression is a treatable disorder and before things get out of control, one must get the right support.
