May 12 was a big day in our house as my son graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma with his Bachelor of Science in occupational safety. He is the third generation in our family to attend UCO. However, in this season with all the excitement of graduation ceremonies and parties, some graduates may also feel a lot of fear and anxiety about the future as this is a time of significant change.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI, reports that 75% of mental health conditions develop by the age of 24. Having worked most of my counseling career in a higher education setting, I believe this statistic to be true.
While many mental health conditions may abate over time through increased coping skills, lifestyle changes and self-care, simply recognizing the impact of stress on a college-age individual could help reduce the severity. Early intervention is always key.
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Although post-commencement stress disorder is not a diagnosable term, it is real, nonetheless. For many students, college might be the first time they have been away from their family of origin. Building a new social circle, learning how to manage time and day-to-day life skills also could add to their level of stress.
Finally, most students have been in an academic setting for nearly 20 years by this point in their life, starting with kindergarten about the age of 4. The academic setting has developed a structure for students, something that many of us rely upon to be successful.
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Many life stressors may lead to an overwhelming amount of stress, including tight job market, fierce competition, leaving old life behind, living up to the expectations of others and being responsible. But the biggest factor appears to be the fear of the future, fear of the unknown.
Pew Research Center reports that more than half of 18- to 24-year-old individuals either live with their parents or are moving back in with them temporarily.
Students who graduated without a solid plan appear to be more susceptible for post-graduation stress, even leading to possible depression. Those students who felt less secure after graduation reported experiencing depression. For many, leaving the structured environment of school leaves them asking, “What now?” Students find that many are losing their friends through job moves and while others struggle with unsuccessful job searches themselves.
Should the stress become so unbearable, many might become depressed. Some signs of depression can include avoidance, or becoming isolated, emotional numbing, substance abuse, not sleeping enough or sleeping too much, not eating or eating too much. If an individual appears to become hopeless or helpless, now may be time to engage help from a licensed professional.
Obviously, if someone is speaking of suicide, it is time to seek out help immediately. More risk factors may be found at 988lifeline.org
Some tips to assist your new graduate if you see them struggling include: Encourage them to stay connected with others and not isolate. Also, encourage them to be kind to themselves and allow themselves this time to grieve the past and what was.
This is also an important time for them to identify new interests, create their own structure and make new connections. A plan forging forward is imperative. And talk with a career coach or seek out mental health counseling if it appears to be leading to depression.
Brandi Gibson is a licensed marital/family therapist and licensed drug and alcohol counselor in Oklahoma City. This column first published in The Oklahoman.
