9 Tips to Manage your Season of Post-Graduate Depression

I'm sure you've heard the saying, "Looking for a job, is a job." And rejection after rejection will have you wondering if there is something wrong with you. Transitioning from university to the world of work can be tough and many people experience post-graduate depression. 

Is there something wrong with my resume? Or the way I wrote my application letter? Do you think the time that I sent it is a factor?

Truth is the outside world is parallel to the university world. And that can be disappointing. You would think that you'd be prepared, right?

But, with every season of your life, experiences will teach you.  

The racing thoughts of the loans to repay and the ambitions you ever so burn to see come to pass, is normal.

And though it may be a difficult season: it is possible to steward it well.

Let's start by acknowledging that you might feel like you are sinking into a hole and you are struggling to find your way out. 

Allow your feelings to surface when you think of not liking the current circumstance. But, this is where you are. 

Now, accept that you are at point A with the expectancy to get to point B. 

Examples of point A could be feeling demotivated, not having a job, struggling with your mental health.

Point B regaining motivation, getting a job, implementing strategies to improve your mental health.

Related: Post-Graduate Depression

Tips to Manage your Season of Post-Graduate Depression

1. Give yourself grace

Reflect on your accomplishment. You actually finished school and have a whole degree! 

It's so easy to start ruminating about what's next for you and the frustrations of not being able to land a job. But, you've done so well. Give yourself some love.

2. Identify your value

I could say, "Don't compare yourself to your peers." Reality is without thinking we compare ourselves to others. 

Here's a trick that I think might help. Create a listing of the value that you hold. It could be your skills (include your soft skills), experiences, characteristics, accomplishments, accolades. You just need to be able to see something on paper. 

When you're going through a season of post-graduate depression, it's easy to think that you aren't valuable. Because, you're flooded with emotions, questions and frustration. 

Your list is a visual reminder of the value that you hold. 

And if you're of the Christian faith, there are many directional arrows (scriptures) in the Bible that reinforce your value. Choose one that you can hold on to.

3. Schedule your job hunting sessions

Create a time-table for the days and time that you'll dedicate to looking for jobs to apply for.

Example

To do:

Mondays to Wednesday 

10:00 am to 12:00 pm search for job vacancies

1:00 pm to 2:30 pm tailor resume to job requirements

4. Work on your interview skills

Steward this season by improving your interview skills. This channel on Youtube has been quite helpful- The Companies Expert

5. Take advantage of online courses 

It's always good to show on your resume that you are actively working to improve your skillsets. 

6. Start or restart a hobby

Refresh your mind by doing something that you enjoy. 

For a season, I revisited my love for baking and that was my mental refresh. I saved a banana bread recipe in my phone and I made that. The frozen bananas in the freezer were put to good use. 

7. Learn about Resume Writing

Tailoring your resume for a job vacancy is a skill that you can learn. 

8. Talk to someone

Going to therapy may not be something you can afford at this time but consider reaching out to a friend or someone you trust to talk about what you're going through. 

9. Stay in expectancy mode

Though it tarries; it will come.

Stay encouraged and trust everything will work out for your good.

Image credits: Pexels