Celebrating 2024 GRADS!

Congratulations to all the graduates of 2024! You have worked hard to reach this milestone and you should be proud of your achievements. Whether you are graduating from high school or college, you are entering a new phase of your life that is full of opportunities and challenges. I know that graduation can also bring a lot of stress and anxiety, especially in these uncertain times. You may be feeling overwhelmed by the expectations of your family, friends, and society. You may be unsure about your future plans and goals. You may be worried about leaving behind your familiar environment and support network. These are all normal and valid feelings, but they don't have to define your experience. As a counselor and a former graduate myself, I want to share some tips that can help you cope with the stress of graduation and transition into adulthood with confidence and optimism.

Celebrate your accomplishments. You have worked hard to get to this point, and you deserve to celebrate your success. Don't let the stress of graduation overshadow the joy of your achievement. Take time to reflect on how far you have come, what you have learned, and what you have contributed. Express gratitude to the people who have supported you along the way, such as your family, friends, teachers, mentors, and counselors. Celebrate with them in a safe and meaningful way that honors your values and preferences.

Seek support when you need it. Graduation can be a lonely and isolating time, especially if you are moving away from your home or school. You may feel like you have to figure everything out on your own, or that you have to put on a brave face for others. But you don't have to go through this alone. You can always reach out to the people who care about you and who want to help you. They can offer emotional support, practical advice, or just a listening ear. You can also seek professional help if you are struggling with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, or substance abuse. There is no shame in asking for help when you need it. It is a sign of strength and courage.

Explore your options and interests. Graduation is not the end of your journey, but the beginning of a new one. You have many options and possibilities ahead of you, and you don't have to decide everything right away. You can take some time to explore your interests, passions, and values, and see what aligns with them. You can try new things, learn new skills, meet new people, and discover new opportunities. You can also change your mind if something doesn't work out for you or if you find something better. You are not locked into one path or one identity. You are free to create your own future.

Set realistic and flexible goals. Having goals can help you stay motivated and focused on your future. But having unrealistic or rigid goals can also cause a lot of stress and frustration. Instead of setting goals that are too high or too low, try to set goals that are SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For example, instead of saying "I want to be successful", say "I want to get a job in my field within six months". This way, you can track your progress and adjust your actions accordingly. Also, be flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances. Sometimes things don't go according to plan, and that's okay. You can always revise your goals or make new ones based on the feedback and information you receive.

Take care of yourself. Graduation can be a stressful time that can take a toll on your physical and mental health. That's why it's important to take care of yourself and practice self-care. Self-care means doing things that make you feel good and healthy, such as eating well, sleeping enough, exercising regularly, meditating, relaxing, having fun, etc. Self-care also means avoiding things that make you feel bad or unhealthy, such as smoking, drinking excessively, overworking, procrastinating, etc. Self-care is not selfish or indulgent; it is essential for your well-being and happiness.

I hope these tips can help you cope with the stress of graduation and transition into adulthood with confidence and optimism. Remember that graduation is not the end of your journey; it is the beginning of a new one that is full of opportunities and challenges. You have the skills, knowledge, and resources to overcome any obstacles that come your way. You also have the support of the Thyme to Heal Counseling Services team who are here for you whenever you need us.

If you would like to talk to someone about your graduation stress or any other issues that are affecting your mental health or well-being, please contact us or visit our website www.thyme2heal.com to book an appointment.

I you all the best in your future endeavors!

Danielle Armistad, Thyme 2 Heal

www.thyme2heal.org

thymetohealcounseling@outlook.com |

Tel: 769-233-7097