Graduation is an accomplishment. It is exciting and often marks the next important phase in someone’s life. Sometimes mixed in with those feelings of excitement are feelings of sadness. This bittersweet time can be because the people we love were not able to celebrate with us. We may also be saying goodbye to a place that was special and safe upon graduation.
These feelings can impact the graduate and their loved ones. Though proud and happy for their children, parents may struggle with their child leaving the nest and what this means for their parent identity. Parents and families may also struggle with missing people they believed and hoped would be alive to witness this achievement. The absence of a loved one is one of many secondary losses grievers experience around moments that are typically joyful.
If you’re finding this time of year challenging:
Acknowledge the multiple emotions of the moment
Experiences can be both sad and wonderful. Making an effort to acknowledge this to ourselves and others is an opportunity for connection and healing.
Mark the moment with a ritual
This feels especially important if there was not a formal ceremony of any kind. Working as a mental health provider around the pandemic taught me about the importance of rituals acknowledging loss and change.
Connect with others in a similar life stage
Finding others going through something similar helps us feel less alone.
Find out more about Jane Lowery, Resident in Counseling, and schedule a free consultation today.