<p>I was wondering if anybody here may have had similar experience or words of advice to offer.
I just graduated school about a month ago and even though I've planned a break before looking for a real job, I've been depressed and anxious since the day of graduation. I've had a tough time throughout university, and overall, I've left school without making close friends at all. I haven't had a single faculty member who I can call a mentor, even though I've done everything from attending office hours, to doing outside school work/projects with them. I've had a professor reject to write me a recommendation letter even though I worked on projects with him and asked for feedback during the time I spent working with him, which was always quite positive. I wasn't too sure about my major, but did it because my family really seemed keen and I figured that it was a field where there was adequate employment. I have not had much working experience throughout school (even though I did everything to secure an internship in my field) and as a result, I wasn't lined up with a job after graduation. I've even applied for "real" jobs, at least at 8 different places, but haven't heard back from anybody. Because I feel like I have burned out, I decided to take a break for my own good for a few months, but instead of making me feel more relaxed, the pressure is building up inside of me. Not having any structure or any idea what I am doing is driving me crazy. I live with my dad on the east coast where I went to school, but am going to stay with my mom for a few months on the west coast. I have tried everything from signing up for a research assistant position or looking at volunteer positions during my "break" so I have something to do before I find a real job, but nothing has come up yet. I am so constantly worried and staying at home and not doing much of anything is making me more worried. The empty time has me worrying about things beyond school and about my parents, their health and well-being, and random "what ifs" because I'm terrified of something happening to them since my parents and family are my only social support system. The anxiety/depression is getting bad and I'm doing my best to make changes to my life, but would like to hear out from others hopefully knowing I'm not alone. </p>
<p>I have a history of anxiety/depression but I’ve been way better the last 3 years. I mainly attribute this to staying busy. I think having confidence that you’re doing something worthwhile is important for one’s feeling of self-worth. My advice would be to get busy doing something even if it’s exercising, volunteering, or a time-consuming hobby. Not sure about your major but most would need to apply to a ton of jobs to receive an offer, don’t feel discouraged after 8 rejections. Some apply to 50+.</p>
<p>I agree that “taking a break” is going to be counter productive to your mental health. You need structure & daily accomplishments, no matter how small. You need to make yourself a schedule that includes daily cardio (running) & core exercise & push-ups. This will boost your natural endorphins. Healthy diet, minimal alcohol, no drugs. You need to feel in charge of your life. I suggest Teach for America for one year. It will build your communication skills, & is looked upon favorably by employers in any field. It will be an accomplishment you can be proud of. If this is not for you, a marketable grad degree program that will open up an internship in that field, which will likely lead to a job. If grad school is not for you, do temp work. It will get you into the professional atmosphere, help you to hone your communication skills & possibly make contacts. Also, you must find a counselor to discuss anxiety & depression. There are many strategies that will help you. Best of luck, please respond.</p>