It’s happened to most of us- you’re sitting in class, supposed to be taking notes but you’re actually doodling what resembles a dragon eating a donut when something slams into you like a Greyhound bus. You can’t quite put your finger on it because it’s not one single feeling. Thoughts about how you could’ve tried a little harder for that A in sophomore Chemistry, about how much you’re going to have to make yourself work out so you can keep your athlete-bod, about your lack of funds- heck you don’t even know how you’re paying for dinner- run through your head. You think about your friends and parents and what in the world you’re going to do without them.

I like to call it Pre-Post-Grad-Depression or PPGD for short. It’s kind of like high school’s senioritis, but without parents, a home and a stable future.

1. KNOW YOUR WORTH

As you probably know by this point in life, nothing is guaranteed. It seems like you have to be accepted anywhere you go- graduate school, job searching, heck even the baristas in that coffee shop down the street seem a little bit judgy. Now, if you’re not into the grad school thing, you’ve already ruled out one judgment, but it’s not over.

I’ve heard many people praise collegiate athletes on graduating and how much playing a varsity sport in college helps out your resume. I’d like to believe that’s true, no matter how badly I wish it weren’t. I hear people ask things like, “what differs us from those who worked just as hard to earn their degree?”

I hope I won’t be the first to tell you that my athletic status will not earn me a job. My college basketball career doesn’t guarantee anything- I would hope that my qualifications and achievements earned me any position that I’ve applied for.

There are more to athletes than athletic ability.

2. TALK ABOUT IT!

Post-grad life is crazy- tears, sleepless nights (hungry sleepless nights at that), more tears (trust me, if you don’t cry at least five times you might be a pet rock). Know that you’re not alone- countless others have gone before you and succeeded. Why can’t we?

3. STAY HEALTHY

If you’re anything like me, you’ll have to work out extra hardcore because you lack any sort of self-discipline, but it’s nothing you haven’t done your whole life. You won’t be able to eat what you could in-season- no more French fries and chocolate shakes whenever you want (trust me, this is the worst part).

4. TAKE UP A NEW HOBBY

Health isn’t just physical. Take care of your brain- find something new to do, try new things daily. Try journaling, cycling, adopt a dog (or 19). Don’t take things so hard on yourself! Who knows- maybe your new hobbies lead to new friends. All of this is easier said than done, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. It’s okay to see a counselor (athletes and the “mental toughness” complex is a completely separate article).

5. DON’T DWELL

It’s nice to reminisce about the “good ol’ days” every once in a while, but when that’s how you spend your alone time…you’re punishing yourself. Make new memories. Repeat step four.

It’s completely normal to freak out more often as you draw nearer to graduation- remember that your athletic status does not define you. Create yourself.