Life Transitions

Question

How do you cope with stress and anxiety surrounding large life transitions? I'm heading into my last semester of college and have found myself so nervous (although excited) about the next chapter. I want to enjoy the rest of my time at school, but I also am worried about my mental health as I prepare for this huge transition. Any tips?

Amanda Neighbours · Answer

First of all, kudos to you for speaking up about your concerns!  I am a HUGE believer in mental health and self care.  My number one recommendation for you is to speak with someone about this in person.  See a therapist.  Work with them to learn coping strategies and ways to handle your anxiety.

Take things day by day, step by step.  Prepare yourself the best you can for change and try (although I know it's hard) not to sweat the small things or even the big things that are beyond your control.

Best of luck to you and congratulations on finishing college! :)

Anonymous · Answer

Congrats on finishing college! Butynski has great advice. It's a weird transition time with a lot of unknowns and I think it's definitely normal to feel this way.

Katie R. · Answer

Lots of good advice in here that I hope is bringing you some comfort.  Agree with Butynski if you can swing it.  A lot of colleges offer counseling through the institution so if you are worried about how to find someone or how to pay for it start by researching what is available on campus or even online through your school.  From here I wonder if there are any specific themes that you keep focusing on that get in your way from being able to relax and enjoy your last semester?  Perhaps writing those down to understand what you are anxious about will help you to wrap your arms around what to do next.  As Maggie S is saying, with so much going on in your life, focus on short term goals right now.  For example, what do the next 3 months after college look like for me?

I too worried a lot about post college life, but what I can tell you is that if you network, pay your bills on time, and in general approach life with grace and kindness (to yourself most importantly) you will be ok.

Good luck and keep posting here if you have questions!!

Maggie B · Answer

Short term goals are KEY for me.  It's really easy to get bogged down by things like 'In five years, I want to own a home and be married AND have a healthy baby and healthy career.' That's A LOT to put on yourself for that time period!  But what steps will get you there? Small goals like 'start a job that will allow me to pay X toward my student loans without taking away from my lifestyle' are huge.  Know your worth, and support those long-term goals by achieving some bite-sized short term ones!

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