Copy of Post-University Depression

With my final days of being an undergrad student coming to an end I thought I had it all together (by the way I graduated from the #1 HBCU in the nation Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University..this is not up for debate). With that being said unfortunately I did not. The goal was to graduate with a good paying job, graduate with honors, pay off my credit cards, save up enough money over the next few months, travel and to be accepted into the university of my choice. With that being said I accomplished 5/6 of my goals. It was with great disappointment that I couldn’t continue my education at another university for the following school year. When it was time to prepare for grad school I did not put my all into it when it came to studying. The General Record exam is an exam that is required by most universities to be accepted into their program. To be accepted into an Occupational Therapy program you need to receive a score of 300 or higher. My scores consisted of 284,285, and 290. You would think that a university would still look at your extra circular activities, shadowing experience, and over all GPA and want to still consider you as a candidate but that was not the case. After receiving my rejection letter I was in a state of denial and regret. There were many times I would dwell over all of the things I could have done better to prepare myself for grad school. Even though I was working for the hospital, I still felt as though I lost my purpose.

I know there are a lot of people my age who can relate to the hopeless feeling I experienced. During this troubled season I found hope in God.

Some of the bible verses I read in my time of need were:

• The pain won’t last forever He will wipe away all tears from their eyes. There will be no more death, no more grief or crying or pain. The old things have disappeared.– Revelation 21:4

• Praise God, even when it’s hard Why am I so sad? Why am I so troubled? I will put my hope in God, and once again I will praise him, my savior and my God.– Psalm 43:5

• Give your burdens to God Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest.– Matthew 11:28

• Don’t stop praying Let your hope keep you joyful, be patient in your troubles, and pray at all times. – Romans 12:12

After spending time with God, I regained my focus and planned out my plan b. My plan b consisted of me sitting out for a year, studying, working/save money, traveling, and to become a better woman for myself and others around me. If you feel as though your post-grad life is lacking meaning, you’re not alone (not by a long shot). But the thing is, you can change your thinking, you can change your actions, and you can get your sense of purpose back, no classroom required. With that being said, here are some daily reminders to remind yourself as you go through this season.

• Always remember, there is no “right’ way/time/age to do anything.

If you’re anything like me, you have this notion that you need to rush into the things you think you are supposed to have. STOP. Stop comparing yourself to your peers who may have the job/relationship/stability you think are supposed to be yours. Everyone is constantly working on improving something. There is no time limit on life. So next time you’re facing a full blown panic attack because you’re 24 years old and not working at a top-tier agency with your own private office or making millions of dollars, remember Vera Wang was a figure skater and journalist before entering the fashion industry at age 40. Today she's one of the world's premier women's designers.

• Never stop exploring. And don’t settle.

Whether it’s the city you live in or possible career paths to take continue to explore. Instead of binge-watching Netflix and being sappy about your “going nowhere” life, use a free weekend to explore the city you live in, visit a museum or two, pursue the hobbies you enjoy, create that business you’ve been thinking of, travel to the places of your dreams and finally try that lunch spot you pass by every day (eating alone is nothing to be ashamed of).

• Change up your daily routine.

There is nothing—I repeat, NOTHING—worse than routine. It quickly makes things that once seemed so exciting, so mundane. A daily routine, no matter how convenient, can lend to a feeling of being “stuck” in life. Don’t get stuck! Start a hobby, like writing or photography (again, binge-watching Netflix doesn’t count). Organize a weekly meet-up with friends to grab drinks or bike ride around the city. Any little change in your day-to-day can make a big difference.

• Give yourself something to look forward to.

Whether it’s a trip across the world or locally, or even a massage, having something to look forward to can help get you out of that funk. In a world that seems void of any plans or organization, having future plans will keep you happy…and sane.

• Smile.

Yes, it really is that simple. It is scientifically proven that making an emotional face tricks your brain, eventually causing you to feel the emotion associated with the face. Next time you’re stressed or just bummed out, force a smile; it will change your day.

“If you want to achieve excellence, you can get there today. As of this second, quit doing less-than-excellent work.”

Thomas J Watson