‘Post-university depression’ is a term coined fo rdepressive and anxiety-like symptoms after finishing higher education studies. Although not medically recognised, it’s a popular conversation online, many recognising the pattern of symptoms experienced in graduates worldwide. Popular magazines i-D and Cosmopolitan have both written about the phenomenon.
Nick Harrop, Head of External Affairs at YoungMinds, has spoken of the contributing causes for those with ‘post-university depression’: “The pressure to find a job, coupled with issues around money and other changes in their lives, such as moving back home, may lead to some people feeling low and struggling with their mental health.” All of these aspects will have been particularly affected/increased by the Covid-19 pandemic.
A report by charity Student Minds titled “Graduate Mental Wellbeing in the Workplace” gives a useful insight into how companies and graduates can protect their mental health and wellbeing whilst at work. A huge amount of work days are lost due to stress and ‘burnout’: the 2016 Labour Force Survey identified that 11.7 million days are lost to work related stress, depression or anxiety. For graduates at the start of their career this can be intensified by other stresses such as financial pressures, time management and changing environments.
The Student Minds reports also discusses how graduate schemes can often improve graduate wellbeing and act as an easier transition into workplace life, with data showing a “significantly better graduate experience”. Participants in the study from graduate schemes also showed “significantly higher levels of mental wellbeing” along with “significantly lower levels of perceived stress”. This could be due to certain factors, for example, specific support for graduates within a company, increased training and more contact with managers.
You can download the full Student Minds report below.
Many large companies offer graduate schemes in a variety of sectors, including the NHS and BBC.
NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme https://graduates.nhs.uk/
BBC Business, journalism, production and broadcasting https://www.bbc.co.uk/careers/trainee-schemes-and-apprenticeships
