Life After College: Navigating Life Transitions for Northwestern Graduates & Students
You did it! At Northwestern, you pulled all-nighters, survived crazy roommates and nutty professors, and…you graduated! Way to go, Wildcat! But you might be asking yourself, “Now what?” Post-college life transitions can be puzzling. At Evanston Counseling, we understand that your huge accomplishment might also bring a wave of uncertainty and anxiety. As you step out into the real world, you’ll find yourself facing a new set of challenges. In this blog, we’ll explore some struggles of post-college life and the strategies to surmount them as well as how Therapy for College Students in Evanston, IL can help!
Life after College, What do Experts Say?
At Evanston Counseling, we see many young adults just like you, navigating this crucial period. The tricky piece about managing life after college is the mashup of emotions you might feel. Amanda Fialk, partner and chief clinical officer at The Dorm, a mental health and treatment facility for young adults, says that graduates are:
certainly happy and proud that they made it through and made it that far. But they also feel anxiety about the future (and) sadness about leaving their friends and closing such an important chapter of their lives. Many students do experience depression over the loss of this phase of their life.”
On healthline.com, they note the alarming rise of depression among young adults ages 18-25 over the past decade. Current rates of depression among your peers are twice that of the general population of those 18 and over.
Professional, financial, and social pressures might surge at this time of your life. Unfortunately, this period has many stressors: getting a job, paying back student loans, and finding a new friend group. These challenges can make life more difficult to face. You might find yourself persistently sad (for more than two weeks in a row), losing interest in your current life, and unable to find joy anywhere. If so, you might be experiencing depression. We’d love to sit down with you and talk. Feel free to contact our Evanston therapists.
Of course, not all post-grads suffer depression. Let’s look at some things to keep in mind to help this life transition be a little less rocky. You might even find it enjoyable despite the challenges and unknowns.
Post-College Survival Strategies for Life Transitions in Evanston, IL
You’ve spent the past four years or so developing your mind. During life transitions, you might want to focus on bulking up your emotional muscles to find greater happiness.
Let’s dive into some practical tips and reflective exercises to help you chart your course beyond the purple.
Embrace Change
One of the greatest hurdles in your life right now is that there are so many moving parts. Your landscape shifted. You might be moving to a new city, starting a new job, and meeting many new people. Try to breathe through the anxiety of meeting coworkers for the first time or getting lost on the subway. See if you can embrace the changes as opportunities for growing personally and professionally. Will it feel uncomfortable at first? Probably. The more you walk through the changes, the more you will weather them. You might discover that the person in the next cubicle is your new best friend.
An Evanston Therapist Tip: List three ways you have used to regulate your emotions when you feel uncomfortable or anxious. Which of these ways will become your go-to for surviving when you feel your big emotions starting to take up too much space?
Manage Expectations During Life Transitions
What you expected of your life after college may not be your current reality. By now, you had expected to be loving your dream job that hasn’t arrived yet. Yeah, life rarely follows a straight line.
Therapy for college students can help you adjust your expectations and roll with the punches when things don’t go as planned. One thing you’ll learn as you rack up more days on this Earth, you’ll begin to see that some of the best adventures happen off the beaten path…especially when life doesn’t go as planned.
An Evanston Therapist Tip: Spend some quiet time reflecting on what truly matters to you. Consider aspects like work-life balance, creativity, and financial security. Don’t forget the kind of impact you want to make on the world. Pick one of these aspects. What is one small step forward you could take? You don’t need to see the whole path.
Build a Support System
How did you get through the break-ups? Juggling impossible paper deadlines and your part-time job? You had your squad there to pick you up and remind you what a rockstar you are. Your close-knit Northwestern community could have felt like a bubble. Perhaps, you might miss that sense of belonging. People knew you well, and you knew them.
You don’t have to do your post-college life alone, either!
Life transitions are a chance to build new and lasting connections. It will take time, you’re right. You’ll want to focus on quality, not just quantity.
Your family and friends would most likely love to know what you’re thinking and how you’re feeling. You could ask them to listen without feeling like they need to solve your problems. They want to be there for you, too.
Don’t be afraid to reach out to Northwestern’s alumni network. There are regional groups throughout the country. You might join community groups to meet new people and build connections.
An Evanston Therapist Tip: Reflect on your current social circle. Are there people who energize you and make you feel good? Reach out to those individuals and schedule regular catch-ups. Consider joining a club or group activity that sparks your curiosity.
Seek Help During Life Transitions
Finally, don’t hesitate to seek help if you’re struggling through life transitions. Perhaps you’re feeling overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, or depression. Or you’re simply feeling lost and unsure of your next steps. You can reach out to friends, family, or mentors who can offer guidance, encouragement, and support as you navigate this exciting yet uncertain time. We want you to know that our compassionate therapists at Evanston Counseling are here for you, too. Know that we have resources and will provide you with support. Our specialty is working with college students. We love helping you through all aspects of life in this season. Reach out to us today.
Navigate Life Transitions in Evanston, IL After College through Therapy for College Students Today!
Are you a Northwestern graduate or student facing the uncertainties of life after college? Our counseling services at Evanston Counseling are here to support you in navigating this transition with confidence and clarity. Transitioning from college to the next phase of life can be overwhelming, but it’s also a time of great opportunity for growth and self-discovery. Our experienced therapists can help you explore your interests, set achievable goals, and develop strategies to manage the challenges ahead through Therapy for College Students in Evanston, IL. Whether you’re grappling with career decisions, adjusting to a new city, or simply feeling lost, we’re here to provide the guidance and support you need to thrive. Take the first step towards a successful transition by following the steps below:
- Reach out to schedule a free consultation.
- Speak with a compassionate therapist for college students.
- Move forward through life transitions with confidence!
Other Therapy Services Offered at Evanston Counseling in Evanston, Chicago, and throughout Illinois
At Evanston Counseling, our commitment extends beyond offering Therapy for College Students in Evanston, IL. We provide a comprehensive range of specialized care to address various mental health concerns. Our therapy services include Therapy for Moms, Therapy for Young Adults, and Therapy for Teenagers, catering to individuals facing challenges like Depression, Anxiety, and Chronic Pain. We embrace diverse therapeutic modalities, including Hypnotherapy, Pet Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, ensuring a personalized approach that meets the unique needs of those seeking support. Reach out to us today to discover how our experienced team can equip you with valuable tools and strategies for emotional well-being, fostering a balanced and happier life after college and through life transitions.
