By Morgan Levine and Molly Stackhouse

Hey there, graduates! You did it—you made it through college, and now it's time for the next big adventure. But hold on, we know life after graduation can feel like stepping off a ledge into a whole new world, and it's normal to experience a wide range of emotions. These emotions can be surprising, confusing, and even contradictory.  Give yourself permission to feel them all. Here are some possible emotions you might be feeling:

1. Excitement: You might be thrilled about your new job, colleagues, and new challenges. 

2. Fear: Worries about not being qualified enough, making mistakes, or fitting in.

3. Sadness: Sadness from saying goodbye to the college lifestyle and close friends. 

4. Loneliness: It may feel lonely adjusting to a new routine and maybe being in a new city.

5. Frustration: The job search, paperwork, and navigating office politics might feel frustrating.

By acknowledging these emotions, you can start to understand them and develop healthy coping mechanisms.

Here are some tips to acknowledge that loss of structure and find your footing in this next phase:

1. Take a Moment to Reflect: Before diving headfirst into the job hunt or further studies, take some time to reflect on your college journey. What were your favorite memories? What did you learn about yourself? Reflecting on your college experience can help you appreciate how far you've come and prepare you for what lies ahead.

2. Embrace Change: Change can be scary, but it's also an opportunity for growth. Instead of resisting it, embrace the changes that come with life after graduation. Whether it's moving to a new city, starting a new job, or pursuing further education, approach it with an open mind and compassion that transitions are hard no matter what.

3. Stay Connected: Just because you're no longer on campus doesn't mean you have to say goodbye to your college friends and mentors. Stay connected with them through social media, email, or even old-fashioned phone calls. Having a support system can make the transition much smoother.

4. Set Goals:  Without the structure of classes and assignments, it's easy to feel aimless. Set some short-term and long-term goals to give yourself direction. Whether it's finding a job in your field, cooking a meal, spring cleaning your room, traveling the world, or furthering your education, having small goals to work towards can help you stay focused and motivated.

5. Create a Routine:  While the days of class schedules may be behind you, creating a daily routine can help bring structure to your post-grad life. Set aside time each day for job hunting, networking, connecting with a friend, self-care, and pursuing your interests. Having a routine can help you feel more grounded and productive.

Remember, it's okay to feel a little lost and feel mixed emotions after college graduation. Take it one step at a time, and don't be afraid to ask for help along the way. 

Authorship: This blog was written by Morgan Levine, LCSW and Molly Stackhouse, LPC. Both Morgan Levine and Molly Stackhouse specialize in working with adults (18+) who experience anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, obsessions and compulsions, relationship issues, CPTSD, use of substances or people, attachment wounds, and specific trauma events.

*Disclaimer: The information in this blog is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for mental health care nor a recommendation or endorsement for any particular treatment plan, organization, provider, professional service, or product. The information may change without notice. No claims, promises, or guarantees are made about the completeness, accuracy, currency, content or quality of information linked. You assume all responsibility and risk for any use of the information.

IFS EMDR Therapy Group is an outpatient therapy group founded by Morgan Levine. We specialize in helping adults struggling with the effects of living in dysfunctional systems move toward healing and wholeness. We provide therapy to address symptoms such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, grief, obsessive and compulsive thoughts and behaviors including but not limited to using work, perfectionism, substances, relationships, food, etc. We offer ongoing support as well as EMDR intensives; both of which are informed by IFS, EMDR, DBT, CBT, Polyvagal Theory, trauma-informed yoga, attachment, and other recovery principles. Our therapists work virtually with clients living throughout Maryland, Washington D.C., Virginia, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Colorado and Florida.  Morgan Levine also provides trauma-informed consultation to therapists worldwide. Want to work with us? Complete our contact form here: https://ifsemdrtherapy.com/contact-us.

Keywords: Maryland therapist, EMDR therapist, Graduation, Navigating change, Life Transitions