Post-College Depression: The Signs and Symptoms Explained
Many recent graduates experience a sense of unease as they step into the unknown territory of post-graduation life.
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Going through changes and life transitions is exciting - and hard.
You have been looking forward to this change for months, and now just want it stop. You want the comfort of the before, even if the before wasn't that great. Maybe you didn't want this change and are going through this transition unexpectedly. Somedays it feels like you're are going to lose it any second now.
Whether you wanted the life transition or it was thrown at you, sometimes coping with changes and stressors on your own is overwhelming. You keep leaning on your friends and family and feel like that just isn't cutting it anymore.
Feeling like this is too much.
We understand what you are going through.
When you are ready, we are here for you.
Do these life stressor symptoms sound like your experience?
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Uncertain about the future or handing changes
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Not doing the things you used to love
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Feeling unsure or unclear how to navigate the changes and adjustments
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Feeling like these changes are just too much to handle
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A sense of loss or grief of what was
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Physical symptoms, such as headaches, stomachaches, or muscle tension
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Avoiding people
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No motivation or energy
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Coping with alcohol or drugs
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Just feeling generally meh or stressed out
If you answered yes, you may be experiencing difficulties adjusting to change and life transitions
Life is full of changes... we think someone once said the only constant in life is change. Sometimes these changes are exciting, and fun, and something you want - and sometimes those same changes can be challenging to navigate. Whether you're going through a major life transition, such as a divorce, job loss, or relocation, or you're struggling with the loss of a pet (or the addition), the loss of a friend, or starting college - the adjustment process just isn't going as you thought it would. Difficulties coping with changes and stressors is known as an Adjustment Disorder.
An Adjustment disorder is a totally normal, expected, common mental health experience that can occur when you have difficulty coping with a stressful life event or significant life change.
Life transition challenges can arise from various triggers and circumstances
Sudden Life Changes: Significant life changes such as divorce, relocation, job loss, or financial strain can trigger adjustment difficulties. The abrupt nature of these changes can overwhelm your normal ability to cope and increase the stress you experience. You may notice difficulties with your mood, sleep, relationships, and more.
Ongoing Stress: Persistent stressors such as work-related pressures, relationship issues, academic challenges, or family conflicts can gradually accumulate, leading to difficulties in coping with day to day life.
Accumulation of Smaller Stressors: Sometimes, it's not a single significant event but a series of smaller stressors that build up over time, gradually impacting your ability to go through each day.
These normal stressors, changes, and pressures may lead to feelings of depression (e.g., feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a general loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities).
They could also lead to feelings of anxiety (e.g., excessive worry, nervousness, a constant state of apprehension, restlessness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating).
Some people may even notice changes in their behavior. They might be more risky or notice reckless behaviors, aggressive, or not really caring about their responsibilities right now.
These symptoms may make it challenging to go about your daily life. It's important to note that these symptoms can occur in response to a wide range of stressful life events or changes, and they may persist for up to six months after the event or change has occurred.
It's important to note that everyone's experience with adjustment and life transitions is unique, and some people may experience different symptoms than others.
Adjustment disorders can arise from various triggers and circumstances
If you're struggling with life transitions, changes, adjustments, or day to day stressors, you do not have to go it alone.
Reach out to us today to schedule an appointment. We're here to help you get the support and resources you need to feel better and live a happier, healthier life.
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In counseling, you and your therapist will develop coping skills, practical tools, and techniques to manage stress, anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, or relational stressors with which you are struggling. Therapy will also go beyond symptom management; it delves into the root causes of the triggers to the stressors, and will help you identify and work through underlying issues.
Working with a mental health professional can help you gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your situation, helping you develop healthier coping strategies for managing stress and anxiety. By developing these skills, you'll feel more equipped to handle the challenges that come with life stressors, changes, and life transitions.
In addition to practical tools, therapy can help you develop a stronger sense of resilience and self-efficacy. With the support of your therapist, you'll build the skills and confidence to navigate future stressors and challenges with greater ease and confidence.
How will Therapy for life stressors and adjusting to change help?
Life can be full of surprises, both good and bad. Whether it's a major life change or a small bump in the road, it's natural to feel a range of emotions when faced with stressors or adjustment disorders.
Your experiences are unique to you. Sometimes you go through change, it is a little stressful, but you are able to navigate it. You take time to breathe, talk with people who are important to you, and face one challenge at a time. Other times, the changes, stressors, and transitions are completely overwhelming. That's where therapy comes in!
Going to therapy for life stressors or life transitions can be incredibly helpful.
First, therapy is a safe and supportive space to explore your emotions and experiences. You will receive validation and support from your therapist, which can alleviate your sense of isolation or being misunderstood.
This will also help to normalize your experiences - because struggling to cope with changes and stressors is completely normal!
In counseling, you and your therapist will develop coping skills, practical tools, and techniques to manage stress, anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, or relational stressors with which you are struggling.
Therapy will also go beyond symptom management; it delves into the root causes of the triggers to the stressors, and will help you identify and work through underlying issues.
Working with a mental health professional can help you gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your situation, helping you develop healthier coping strategies for managing stress and anxiety. By developing these skills, you'll feel more equipped to handle the challenges that come with life stressors, changes, and life transitions.
In addition to practical tools, therapy can help you develop a stronger sense of resilience and self-efficacy. With the support of your therapist, you'll build the skills and confidence to navigate future stressors and challenges with greater ease and confidence.
Counseling goes beyond the surface level
Coping with Change: From Big Shifts to Daily Pressures. You are not alone
Lastly, therapy provides you with a supportive and collaborative relationship with your therapist, giving you a valuable source of emotional support during times of stress and uncertainty. With this strong foundation, you'll be able to move towards greater well-being and resilience, ready to take on whatever life throws your way!
So, if you're feeling overwhelmed by life stressors or difficulties coping with life transitions and changes, don't hesitate to reach out for support.
Our therapists can provide you with the emotional support, practical tools, and self-awareness needed to manage life's challenges and move towards greater well-being.
Uncertain about starting therapy?
Uncertainty about starting therapy is a common concern people have when considering whether or not to treat stress. Of course attitudes toward therapy vary between people and cultures, but beyond fear there are many valid questions about the use and effectiveness of therapy in resolving stress.
Why can't I just talk to my friends or partner or family about my struggles and stresses with change?
It's always a good idea to talk to your partner, friends, and family about your struggles with change, as they can offer support, understanding, and a listening ear. However, sometimes it can be challenging to talk to friends and family about our struggles because they may be biased.
Our friends and family may be too close to us to offer an objective perspective or advice, and may be influenced by their own experiences, beliefs, or biases. Also, while our friends and family may have the best intentions, they may not have the knowledge or skills to help us effectively manage our struggles.
Unfortunately, some people may not be as supportive or understanding as we need them to be, and their responses may add to our stress and anxiety.
Or maybe you are concerned about how your friends and family will react to your struggles, and fear they may judge you for feeling the way you do.
For these reasons, it can be helpful to seek the support of a mental health professional who can offer an objective perspective, provide evidence-based interventions, and help us develop the skills to cope with change and transition effectively. A mental health professional can offer a safe and supportive space to discuss your struggles and provide guidance and resources to help you move forward.
Life transitions and stressors are normal, why can't I just wait until I get used to the change?
You're right, life transitions and stressors are totally normal! But just because something is common doesn't mean it's easy to handle on your own.
Adjusting to changes in life can be overwhelming and stressful, and waiting for things to get better on their own can be a long and difficult road.
Seeking support from a mental health professional can help you navigate the challenges of adjustment disorder and life transitions more efficiently and effectively.
Therapy can provide you with the tools and techniques to manage stress, cope with uncertainty, and develop resilience to tackle future challenges. It can also be a safe space to explore your emotions and work through any underlying issues that may be impacting your ability to adjust to the change.
You don't have to go through it alone, and you don't have to wait for things to magically get better. Taking proactive steps to care for your mental health and well-being can make all the difference in helping you move forward in a positive direction.
So why not give counseling a try and see how it can support you through your life transition?
Isn't it kind of silly to go to therapy because I'm going through a life transition? Everyone goes through changes in life and they don't go to counseling.
It's a common misconception that only people with severe mental health conditions require therapy. However, the truth is that life transitions and changes can be incredibly challenging to navigate, and therapy can be a helpful tool to manage the stress and uncertainty that often comes with these transitions.
Therapy can provide a safe and supportive space to discuss your concerns, explore your emotions, and develop coping strategies to manage the difficulties that come with life transitions. While it's true that many people go through life transitions without seeking therapy, everyone's experiences and circumstances are unique, and therapy can be a helpful resource to facilitate a smoother transition.
It's essential to prioritize your mental health and well-being during times of change and uncertainty, as neglecting your emotional health can lead to more severe mental health concerns down the line. Seeking therapy during a life transition is a proactive step towards taking care of your mental health and developing the skills and resilience to navigate future changes and challenges.
If you're experiencing difficulties adjusting to a life transition, there's no shame in seeking support. A mental health professional can provide guidance and resources to help you manage the stress and uncertainty that comes with change and help you move forward in a positive direction.
I don't have the time or money for therapy.
It's understandable that therapy may feel like a time and financial commitment, but investing in your mental health and well-being is invaluable.
We understand that time and financial constraints can feel like hurdles to accessing therapy. Our approach is flexible and designed to accommodate your schedule and budget.
Additionally, we offer many therapy options, including online counseling and reduced fees, are available to make therapy more accessible. Also, we take insurance! Many insurance plans today provide mental health benefits. Taking the step towards starting therapy can lead to improved productivity, better relationships, and overall life satisfaction.
Therapists that Specialize in treating Life Transitions, Stressors, Changes, and Adjustments
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