Tuesday 10-10-2017 - 14:55

Today is world mental health day!

 

Mental health, is something the world is become more and more aware of, so much so we now have a days celebration for it! But one thing we’re not talking about is post graduate mental health and depression! 

Now this goes for those who have gone onto postgraduate study and those who are felling like they’re in this limbo stage between finishing your degree and deciding whether you go onto a masters or move home with your parents (which btw isn’t a step backwards)

 

So what is PG depression?

 

Well it isn’t isn’t that sinking feeling that £1 WKD at the Shoe or 3 4 £5 jäger bombs are now a thing of the past, or missing running to mcolls at 6am after an all nighter with your flat mates, it’s much much more.

One in four undergraduates experience mental health issues during their studies and after your studies that only escalates but the data isn’t there.

Undergraduate life is great you live in this bubble of SU events, tye dye tshirt and socials but it seems that once you are handed that degree that bubble is swiftly popped.

Although it’s not an official diagnosis, “postgraduate depression” is a term used to describe the feelings of anxiety and feeling lost following graduation from the undergrad.

Post-graduation depression, therapists say, is not only understudied but is also massively underreported and this needs to change.

 

 

Even if you’re on a postgraduate course, still at uni, possibly at a new uni all together, this can after you as you don’t get the bags of freebies, you can’t go to the freshers fair because you’re in lecture and you can’t go to social because you’re in lectures 9-6 and it can suck!

So what can we do about it?

I think the main issue is acknowledging it exists, having chatted to many postgraduates they had lots to say, one said

 "(She) completely underestimated the stress that would come with my postgraduate degree, and this really affected my anxiety during my studies. In times like these, don't be afraid to ask for help, from your family, friends and the university staff; your tutors will understand and help you in every way that they can! It's also really important to look after yourself, celebrate reaching word-count milestones and give yourself well-earned relaxation time away from studying!"

Another masters student just starting this year has said that already  they have noticed that  ‘With limited contact time and added outside pressure it's no wonder that 37% of master’s students met the clinical criteria for depression.

When embarking on my own master's, I felt the self doubt about if I could  take to next step in my educational journey.’

And I think the key to this realising you’re not alone, there are loads of graduates in the same boat, probably including some of your friends (check in with your uni friends)

 

So my tips are:

* Don’t compare yourself to others who did your course!

- If you start feeling like everyone you know has got a graduate job except you, you’ll only feel worse. Everyone goes through different paths, if your on a PGCE you’ll have a multitude of different problems to someone on a masters and they’ll have different issues to someone who moved back home. People go a different paces and that’s okay!

 

* Accept that life doesn’t always go to plan

- you might have a graduate career path in mind, but things may not work out how you expected them to. Remember it’s okay to not have an exact idea of what you want to do with your life – you’ll get there.

 

* Don’t take on too much

- This is one I know I struggle with, as many of my friends who know me, know I’m constantly busy doing something;

- Most campuses have a huge variety of activities and societies which can be amazing but also time consuming.

- Societies can be great places to learn new skills, meet people, exercise, be creative, and generally unwind after a day of studying, but it’s important to balance playtime and work time. See if your SU does any twilight activities between 6-9, I’m working on getting more of these at Edge Hill as they’re a great way to unwind after lecture or placement but don’t run too late that you can’t get any work done.

 

* Keep your work area tidy and separate.

- It’s amazing how quickly a busy work area can get messy. Having a clean, decluttered work room  will help you to feel more organised and make it easier to find the things you need. It’s also important to have a separate place you work if possible, be that a desk, an office or the library. It will make it easier to relax In places that you chill in.

 

* Don’t feel guilty about taking time to yourself.

- If you have a part time job as well as doing a postgrad degree you are going to struggle. If you’re doing a pgce working on placement mon-Friday then working Saturday & Sunday you’re going to struggle having down time.

- My advice is speak to managers about just doing the one weekend day, just having that one day to catch up on work and sleep will help you so much.

- It’ll also mean you have time to see friends and family. One thing I’ve found since starting my PGCE is finding time to pop home or go see family is really hard.

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Being post-grad is hard wether your on a postgrad course or not, but just keep going, ask for help when it’s needed and get in touch if your have any questions!

Your not on your own and this will pass, before you know it you’ll be fully fledged group up!

 

Keep sparkling and smiling

Post grad princess xoxo

Molly Houghton