DeepSummary
The podcast episode discusses the psychology behind the post-graduation blues, which refers to the emotions and challenges faced by recent college graduates as they transition into the real world. The guest, therapist Liz Kelly, explains that this experience is similar to grief, with feelings like sadness, anxiety, and nostalgia for the structure and social connections of college life.
Kelly highlights the loss of friendships, routine, and regular feedback as significant contributors to the post-graduation blues. She emphasizes the importance of self-compassion, setting realistic goals, and embracing curiosity during this transitional period. The episode also explores the challenges of finding meaningful work and establishing new social connections.
The host and guest offer practical advice for coping with the post-graduation blues, such as journaling, practicing self-care, and seeking support when needed. They encourage recent graduates to be patient with themselves and embrace the discomfort of uncertainty, as this phase is a natural part of personal growth and character development.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- The post-graduation blues is a psychological phenomenon characterized by a range of emotions, including grief, anxiety, and nostalgia, as recent graduates transition from the structured college environment to the real world.
- Losing the social connections, routines, and regular feedback from college life can contribute to feelings of loneliness, uncertainty, and self-doubt during this transition.
- Practicing self-compassion, setting realistic goals, and embracing curiosity can help individuals navigate the post-graduation blues and find meaning in this period of personal growth.
- It's important to be patient with oneself and understand that feelings of discomfort and uncertainty are natural during this transitional phase.
- Seeking support, whether through therapy, support groups, or self-help resources, can be beneficial for those struggling with the post-graduation blues and its impact on their mental health and well-being.
- Comparing oneself to others' curated social media personas can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy, so it's important to be mindful of this and focus on one's own journey and progress.
- The post-graduation blues is a temporary phase, and with time, self-care, and a growth mindset, individuals can adapt to their new circumstances and find fulfillment in their post-college lives.
- While the loss of the college experience can be significant, it's essential to recognize that this transition is a natural part of personal growth and character development, with new opportunities and experiences waiting to be embraced.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “Absolutely. You know, because every time we talk to someone else, you know, we're not getting the whole picture. If you see someone post something on LinkedIn or social media or Instagram or wherever, you know, you're only seeing a very small snapshot to that person's life. And what you're seeing might look incredible and amazing, but chances are there's a so many other factors.“ by Liz Kelly
- “I really encourage my clients to pay attention to how they're talking to themselves and just. And to ask themselves, you know, what would I tell a good friend? You know, what, what advice would I give them? And to try to start treating themselves like they're a friend.“ by Liz Kelly
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Episode Information
The Psychology of your 20s
iHeartPodcasts
7/2/24
The period after graduation can be really difficult, filled with emotions like grief, anxiety, worry about the future, loneliness and nostalgia as we leave the structure and comfort of college and university for the big, confusing real world. In today's episode we break down the psychology of the post-graduation blues, including:
- What defines this experience
- How long does it last?
- The loss of friends as well as security and stability
- What triggers our unease
- How we can embrace the fear and uncertainty
- Setting realistic goals for our first year post graduation
This and so much more, all with some amazing advice and wisdom from our guest, the therapist Liz Kelly, author of the book 'This Book Is Cheaper Than Therapy'. Listen now!
Buy Liz book here: https://www.amazon.com.au/This-Book-Cheaper-Than-Therapy/dp/1962305007
Follow Jemma here: @jemmasbeg
Follow the podcast here: @thatpsychologypodcast
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