Why You Aren't Alone If You're Nervous About What's Next After High School

Graduating high school is a huge milestone. It’s something you’re likely to remember for the rest of your life, as it signifies one chapter ending and a new one starting. 

But, as exciting as graduating can be, it can also feel overwhelming, and even a bit scary. You’ve spent all of this time working up to this moment, and…now what?

Even if you have plans after high school — whether it’s going to college or starting a career — it can still feel like you’re stepping into foreign territory. 

If you’re feeling nervous about what’s next, you’re not alone. It’s normal to experience some anxiety as you approach graduation and even after you graduate. Let’s take a closer look at why that is, and what you can do about it. 

Worrying About the Future

Anxiety thrives on the unknown and the “what ifs” of life. You’ve been in high school for four years and probably in elementary and middle school with the same people before that. Even if you moved and changed schools at some point, there’s still a comfort and familiarity surrounding you. 

After graduating, that all changes. 

Even worse, you’re not exactly sure how much it will change until it happens. There are some people you might never see again. Your responsibilities will grow. Your daily routine will never be the same. Those are comfort issues that are immediately swept away. On top of it, you’re immediately thrust into an uncertain future, even if you have concrete plans in place. There are plenty of “what ifs” to consider, and it can make it easier for your nerves to take over. 

Changing Relationships

Whether you’ve been with the same classmates since kindergarten or just for a couple of years, there’s a sense of familiarity with the people you’re involved with. You don’t have to be the most popular person in school to have a strong, stable friend group. 

Graduation doesn’t mean all of your friendships will fizzle. But, as things change, so will your relationships. Some people might move away. Others will start jobs and their schedules will change. Some will go to college. You’re not going to see each other every day anymore, and while that’s hard enough, the idea of forming new friendships elsewhere can be even more overwhelming. 

Societal Pressures

Whether you know what you want to do with your future or not, it can feel like there’s a lot of pressure after graduation. Your family might have specific plans for you. People in the community might ask what you want to do. 

It’s okay if you don’t know right away. It’s okay if you want to take a break to figure things out. But, that doesn’t always make the pressure from others disappear, and it can cause you to feel nervous about the path you’re taking. 

What Can You Do?

First, recognize that it’s perfectly normal to feel nervous right now, whether you’re about to graduate or you recently have. No matter how exciting the next chapter will be, it comes with a lot of uncertainties. Acknowledge your feelings instead of trying to push them down or brush them off. 

Next, make a plan for yourself. You don’t necessarily need to know what you want to do right away. But, having some kind of plan or goal in place can help you feel more grounded and less uncertain. 

Finally, don’t hesitate to talk to someone if you’re struggling. Leaning on your support system can help you feel more secure and confident. If you’re really having a hard time with nerves and anxiety, consider reaching out for anxiety treatment. You’re not alone, and it’s important to be reminded of that as you prepare for the future.