Hi rgrad,

You've mentioned feeling stupid and dumb............being depressed about something doesn't make you stupid or dumb...........you're not stupid or dumb
The times that you're talking about involve leaving something behind........something being over that you can't return to..........a sudden gap in your life..........a very real loss
So I'd say it's OK to feel really down at times that involve those factors
And you're also throwing other things into the equation as in the "What will happen next", a degree of insecurity and instability, a lack of really familiar routine...........and some stress, so stress as well can contribute to feeling "down" or depressed.
So no more feeling stupid, hey??!!
But how to try to make it a bit easier in future...........??
Perhaps try not to lose focus on the achievements you've made during that time, and there can be a multitude of achievements of all sizes sometimes, and try to be proud of them??
Reflect on things you may have learnt in that time, and recognise how they may have added to your future in moving on............allow them to give you more faith in how far you've progressed and how far you can progress in taking those things forward??
If you know something might be/will be ending try to have some focus, before it does, on what you might find rewarding in the future..........have some goals in mind and something to look on and up to (even if you do change them or find new ones when the time comes!!) ??
If it helps, keep some meaningful souvenirs of that time e.g. photo's to think back positively on??
Take some of the skills or passions you acquired at the time forward with you..........e.g. in reading more about........in doing more of...........to help you embrace that time instead of so much lamenting it's loss??
Give yourself more credit for the person you've become as a result of all those experiences, and each had to end to get you to where you are today..........to pave the way ahead??
Maybe try to accept some of the sadness you're unavoidably going to feel and show yourself some self-compassion at those times, and try to schedule in more self-care including things that may make you feel even just a tiny bit better??
Before the changes happen, try to put plenty of thought into establishing links for the future e.g. do you want to arrange to revisit at some point, do you want to arrange to meet up for casual drinks with someone, or do you want to exchange email addresses with someone before the ending??
But remember none of those times/experiences are gone, they are still with you, enriching you in being the person you are today and will be tomorrow



Alison