With summer brings celebrations of dads, grads and weddings. Graduation, new parenthood and marriage represent exciting life transitions and treasured memories for years to come. The reality is that even with positive changes, there can be difficulties adjusting, anxiety and even stress. It’s important to take time for yourself in the midst of all the excitement to make sure your mental health is being maintained.
Graduation Nerves
Here are some tips for adjusting to university from the University of Bristol:
Father’s Day Blues
It’s also really important for new dads who might be struggling with adapting to life as a parent and experiencing the excitement and then the crash afterwards to find support. There’s nothing to be ashamed of if you’re finding new parenthood isn’t the bliss you expected. If you’re a new father experiencing postpartum depression, know that you’re not alone.
Here is one dad’s story about how he overcame postpartum depression and how he is now making a difference:
The other life transition that can be difficult with Father’s Day is the first Father’s Day after losing a father. Grief isn’t always linear and can show up unexpectedly. That grief can sometimes lead to depression, so checking in with yourself about the severity of your symptoms is key to ensuring ongoing mental wellness.
Wedding Day Jitters
With wedding season around the corner, there can be a lot of anxiety and stress. Crowds can feel overwhelming. If you’re the one getting married, it is a big step and it’s normal to feel stress when you don’t know what that will look like exactly.
Here is a ten minute mindfulness meditation to help you self-soothe:
Talking things out is so key when struggling with life transitions. If you’re feeling the pressure of an upcoming life transition, counselling can be so helpful in keeping stress manageable and mental health in a good place. Reach out to a trusted friend or family member, or book a confidential appointment with a trained counsellor from Wellin5.