So You’ve Graduated, Now What?

When it comes to taking care of your mental health - where can you turn for help when you need it?

Am I Depressed or Just Sad?

• There is a difference between depression and feeling sad or angry.
• Feelings of sadness or anger are usually short lived and come and go in our daily lives.
• Graduating from high school will bring about many changes in your life - some may be the biggest you have encountered so far in your life:
• Leaving the security of your high school community.
• Leaving home and friends & family behind.
• Moving out on your own.
• Heading off to college and experiencing a whole new environment, making new friends, navigating your classes & campus.
• Entering the military.
• Entering full-time employment.

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Am I Depressed or Just Sad?

• Feeling sad or a bit anxious about change is ok and expected.

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• If you are not feeling any joy or excitement about the changes coming your way or you feel like your situation is hopeless, you may have depression.

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• Depression is more than just passing feelings of sadness; it is a medical condition and requires treatment.

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• Depression is common and affects about 25% of adults

Depression Symptoms Review

• Changes in sleep patterns: Some people with depression feel so tired, they sleep all the time. While others struggle to sleep at all.
• Anger: Depression can make people irritable all the time, moody, and downright angry. A person who is depressed may find everything annoys them!
• Low energy: A person who is depressed may struggle to engage in activities - even things they normally look forward to. Finding the energy to tackle normal tasks seems overwhelming.
• Substance use: A person with depression may look toward alcohol, marijuana, or other substances to relieve their discomfort/pain.
• Symptoms are long lasting: if you have any of the above symptoms for two weeks or more, ACT!

Acknowledge you are struggling, show YOURSELF you care, and take steps to get TREATMENT!!

Understanding Self-Advocacy

• Advocating for yourself - What does this look like?
• Making your own decisions/including making your own appointments.
• Standing up for yourself and your rights.
• Speaking up for yourself.
• Looking out for yourself, while still respecting & valuing the role others play in your life.
• In order to be an effective advocate for yourself, try these three steps:
• Educate Yourself.
• Believe In yourself.
• Know What You Want/Communicate Your Needs.

I’m Headed to College

What are my resources?

• Every college campus has a medical & counseling center.
• Talking with a counselor is confidential unless you or someone else is in danger.
• College counselors have experience helping people in similar situations. They will help you set goals and set up strategies to achieve them.
• College counselors are trained to understand people of different cultures, ages, and life circumstances.
• Every college dormitory/residence has an RA and/or an RD.
• An RA is a Resident Assistant - usually on your floor of your dorm. They are typically an upperclassman that you can go to if you are experiencing struggles. They are an excellent resource. Make sure you get to know him/her/they/them.
• An RD is a Resident Director - usually for the dormitory and they are typically a graduate student. Make sure you get to know him/her/they/them.

I’m Headed to the Military

What are my resources?

• Most military installations have a military treatment facility, called a MTF.
• Service members can receive health care for physical or mental health needs.
• Each military branch has its own substance abuse treatment and prevention programs as well if you are struggling with substance use.
• Enlisted military members usually have a health insurance called TRICARE. Many civilian health care providers will accept TRICARE.

I’m Joining the Workforce

What Are My Resources?

• You might be able to remain on your parent’s health insurance plan due to your age. If so, have the RIGHT PAPERWORK. Get your parents health/medical insurance information (extra card) and know your medical history/vaccinations/etc.
• Most employers offer health insurance as a benefit to employment. It is helpful to understand:
• Premium: is the amount you must pay for your health insurance plan.
• Co-pay: is usually a small amount of money you have to pay for a medical/MH visit.
• Deductible: this means you must pay “up to” a certain amount before your insurance company begins covering the costs.
• If you begin experiencing depression or other mental health struggles, most employers offer a Employee Assistance Program where you can have access to a therapist for a certain number of sessions. Make sure to ask about this.

If I Have a History of Mental Health Concerns: What Should I Do?

• If you have a history of depression or other mental health concerns, it is critical to develop a CRISIS PLAN with your parents.
• Ensure you both understand what constitutes a crisis.
• Establish how you will contact each other.
• The crisis plan will depend on where you are going - college, military, workforce.
• You and your parent should familiarize yourself with the crisis resources available to you and which resources you will activate first.
• Remember that you are an adult now and the military, college, and employers will often NOT be able to communicate with your parents due to FERPA laws! It will be up to you to involve your parent in a crisis situation so setting up a concrete plan now will help you should a crisis occur.

Additional Resources:

• Colorado Crisis Center has walk in mental health crisis centers located throughout the state of Colorado.
• https://coloradocrisisservices.org/
• Text “TALK” to 38255
• 1-844-493-8255 - 988

Additional Resources Con’t:

• National Suicide Prevention Hotline:
• 1.800.273.TALK(8255)
• In addition to listening , they have access to local resources.

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Take Care of Yourself!

• Take time in Nature
• Exercise
• Sleep Well
• Breathe & Take Mindful Moments
• Eat well
• Be Grateful & Forgiving

Sources:

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• Acknowledge, Care, Treatment Second Act Student Newsletter
• Acknowledge, Care, Treatment Second Act Parent Newsletter

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