Senior Year Depression

I’ve talked to a few people about this but I’m looking to see how you guys are dealing with it.
This isn’t tied directly to college decisions, but in a sense it probably is.
For seniors: Are any of you superrrrrr depressed about graduating/turning 18? All of these responsibilities I’ve never had are going to be stacked on me in a matter of months. I don’t want to sound like a whiny privileged kid, but it honestly is terrifying. Looking around and thinking about what to take to college, dorm shopping, college facebook pages, meeting new future classmates. Thinking of all the last times you can be irresponsible and not face consequences, knowing that your parents will get you out of anything. Entering the next four years of your life that LITERALLY determines your future…

You seem to have had a very different high school experience from mine… that said, many Hs seniors and college freshmen experience some stress/sadness during that transition, so you’re definitely not alone.

You are definitely not alone. Once you choose a school it gets a bit better. Then, you can reach out to other students and get to see what lies ahead. Once you choose your roommate you will have a connection. It might not be perfect, but it just might be a great fit! Make sure that you choose a place where you are comfortable. Transitions are hard for everyone—even kids who go overboard with the whole RAH RAH college excitement. And, it is great that you’re thinking of all of the responsibilities, but most are just excited to have a bit more freedom than they did in high school. Try to focus on all the new freedoms. It definitely is what you make of it (but maybe that is the scary part). Scary? yes. But so much more…

As a senior, I can relate on some level. A lot is changing for us! I am excited for college, but I have found that I have been super unmotivated and stressed out recently, mostly because of college decisions. I was deferred from my top choice and ever since then I’ve been perpetually in a bad mood. During the past few months, I’ve been sad a lot more than I usually am and I’ve cried more than I usually do. It just sort of feels like everything I’ve done–every A I’ve gotten, every AP class I’ve ever taken, all of the effort that I’ve put into everything I do, all of the sleepless nights, everything–has been for nothing. I just want to be done with high school and to be done with college application season already. You are definitely not alone! So many seniors around the country and the world are stressed out and miserable–whether they are waiting for decisions, dealing with rejection, struggling with difficult classes, or stressed out about all of the changes that will happen in the upcoming months. It’s all very daunting! I know that you are terrified, and I am too, but just know that this time next year you are going to be in college (wherever you end up) and you are going to be so happy and experiencing so many new things, meeting so many awesome new people and all of the worries and stresses of senior year will be a distant memory. Hang in there! We’ll all be okay in the end <3.

@soontobecolleger it’s weird! The last 4 years for me has been partying and school and extracurriculars I couldn’t care less about. Not to sound like I peaked, but just thinking about everything is so scary! Like paying for college is somethig scary for me, especially because my family doesn’t quality for much financial aid. Virtually everything will be out of pocket for my family. @sciencenerd123 I got deferred from my top choice too! I can relate to everything you just said, I’ve lost all motivation it’s ridiculous. If you’d ever like to chat, either of you, reach out!

My parents always told me that when I’m grown-up, I can do what I want and go wherever I want any time I want to. What they failed to tell me is how much it sucks being an adult! Best of luck to your new freedom!

As daunting as college sounds, trust me when I say college will be some of the best times of your life. Sure you have more responsibilities and you’re basically fully accountable for your actions, but that’s just part of growing up and it won’t come rushing at you all at once! You’re going to be going to school with people that are going through the same thing as you, and you can rely on them, your peers, your parents, and your professors to aid you in that transition. College is all about discovering who you are and who you want to be. There’s hundreds of student groups to join, sports, frats/sororities, etc. that I’d be surprised if you didn’t find something that peaks your interest. Keep your head up and enjoy the next 4 years!