BEAT THE POST EVENT BLUES
It’s common to feel down after a big life milestone, but here’s how to get on top of it!
Holidays, weddings, big birthdays and moving house – there are some moments we can’t help but get excited about. But when it’s all over, it’s not unusual to feel a bit, well, let down. It’s known as the post-event blues and it’s something many of us experience.
“It is not uncommon that we will experience the ‘blues’ following any major event,” explains Dr T mothy Hsi, senior lecturer in counselling from the Australian College of Applied Psychology.
Dr Hsi explains the symptoms of “postevent letdown” can range from feelings of emptiness to low mood, low energy or lethargy, general feelings of dissatisfaction, decreased motivation, boredom or a sense of loss.
“It’s not uncommon to hear people make statements like, ‘I need another holiday after this holiday!’” he says. There are a few reasons why this happens.
THE FINANCIAL FACTOR
When we’re caught up in the excitement of something big (say, a wedding) it can be easy to forget how much money we’re spending. It’s only after the main event that the cold reality sets in.
“The increased expenditure running up to the event may be a major stressor for many people,” says Dr Hsi.
STRESS HORMONES
Have you ever heard of the phrase “running on adrenaline”? Dr Hsi says it’s normal to feel a surge of adrenaline and cortisol before and during exciting moments.
“These heightened levels are our bodies’ automatic responses to stress, anxiety, as well as excitement and pleasure,” he explains. “Once the event is over, these levels of hormones drop, which in turn may cause an individual to feel ‘flat’.”
OUR EMOTIONS ARE AT PLAY
“Before and during an event, a person may have focused all their emotions into the event preparation,” says Dr Hsi. “However, the completion of the event may also lead to a loss of purpose and goal for the person.”
ADJUSTMENT DISORDER
An adjustment disorder is a psychological response that occurs after we experience something stressful. It occurs within three months of the inciting event, and can lead to emotional or behavioural symptoms.
“In post-event letdowns, the symptoms are not clinically significant but nevertheless, individuals may still feel low and empty,” says Dr Hsi.