Post-show depression (+What it is and how to deal)

This article will discuss what post-shows depression is. It will clarify why this concept was created, how and when people experience it. Along with that, the article will show in what ways it relates to depression, and what ways people may cope with post-show depression.

What is Post-show depression?

Post-show depression is not a clinical condition, but rather the name was given to what people that are involved in artistic creation can feel when they end a production. By its end, they can feel empty, with no purpose, since they were putting so much of themselves, their time, and effort into this production.

There are some reasons why people might experience post-show depression. It can happen because the person doesn’t have a lot of free time. The dedication you put in developing the show takes all of your time. You feel like you are just running from one place to another, and when it ends, it feels like you don’t have anywhere else to go

Post-show depression can also happen because you lost the thing that was your creative outlet. When you have a creative personality, having something to put all that it is a must, and receiving the applause that comes with it, can make you feel even better. And once you don’t have it anymore, it can be frustrating. 

Aside from that, participating in the creation of something can be a way to know people and make new bonds. When the show is over, you won’t be able to be with them as much as you were before. 

Meeting each other will not be a common routine, so you might end up missing them. It might take some time to understand how you will be in each other’s life differently.

How does it relate to depression? 

The post shows depression can make people feel in a similar way to a person with depression. They can experience a sense of emptiness, lack of purpose, and meaning in their lives that are often known as symptoms of depression. 

What is different is that, for people with post-show depression, this is a fleeting experience. And once people adjust to their new reality, they can feel better. But for people with depression, it can be constant and affect every aspect of their lives. 

What is important to keep in mind, when talking about post-show depression is to try and keep a balance on your work and personal life. That will prevent you from feeling burned out every time you finish a project. 

This is extremely important because going through this every time can demand too much of your emotional health. 

How to cope with post-show depression 

When you are going through post-show depression, it is important to find ways to adjust and cope with it. These are good ways to cope with post-show depression:

Take some time to rest 

After so much energy has been put on the show you were part of, it is important to take some time to rest. Try to sleep and eat well, and understand that this is the time for you to re-energize. Doing things that help you with that, as meditation or mindfulness will help.

Find other ways to be close 

You might have developed a great relationship with the people that were working with you. Not being in touch with them every day can be hard. But you will find a way to adjust and figure out how to be a part of each other’s lives.

It can be that you will make plans to meet on weekends, and talk to each other often through texting. And little by little it will become clear to you that the bond that was created won’t end just because you don’t see each other so often.

Care for other parts of your life 

In life, everyone plays multiple roles. You are not just your work. Your family life is important, as well as your home life, or financial life. And now, once you are done with this project that was taking so much of your energy, you can focus on those other aspects of your life.

You can do a deep clean of your house, organize your finances, or even meet some friends from other places that you haven’t had the time to see in a while. By doing all of that, it can be easier to adjust to the life you have now. You might feel less empty because you are not entirely defined by that project that just ended.

Remember what you have learned

When going through post-show depression, it might help to keep in mind all you have learned from this project. This is a way to keep this show alive inside you. The people you met, and the new skills you developed will always be inside you. Having that in mind will make it easier for you to know that you still have a lot to be thankful for.

Discover a new creative outlet 

When you are a creative person, it is important to have that part of your life in movement. So try to find new creative outlines. It can be by drawing, or some other artistic outlet you feel is good for you. 

This will help you to not fear like you are missing out on doing something, as well as it will make you feel more fulfilled.

It can also be that you will start a new project. That can work both as a new creative outlet, but also as a way to see you are working to fulfill your desires.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): What is post-show depression? 

What makes it easier to have post-show depression? 

Having post-show depression can be easier if a person has an attachment style that causes them to have trouble letting go of people and things. Along with that, people that have a diagnosis of depressive disorder can develop post-show depression easier.

That can happen because people with depressive disorder have such a hard time finding something they are interested in, and feeling connected with others, that when this happens, it might be hard for them to understand that this can end. They can feel even more empty once the show is over. 

People that feel as if the only thing they are connected to is the show, can also develop post-show depression easier. This person might have trouble finding a new purpose and meaning to their life once the show is over, and the post-show depression can take over. 

Does post-show depression have a cure? 

Yes, post-show depression is not a clinical condition, and people can move past it. As soon as people find ways to cope with the ending of their production, they might direct energy to other things, such as a new production or even to themselves, and this can make them feel better.

What is important, when dealing with post-show depression, is to keep in mind that, even though it passes and has a cure, you should try to find a balance between your work life and your other roles in life so you don’t feel so empty once the production ends. 

What are attachment styles? 

Attachment style is the name given to a specific way each person behaves in a relationship. There are four types of attachment styles: secure attachment, anxious attachment, avoidant attachment, and fearful-avoidant attachment, also known as disorganized attachment.

The secure attachment is the one in which a person is capable of forming secure and loving bonds. In this attachment style, people can trust others and be trusted by them. They don’t grow fearful if the other person needs space, because even though they love the other person, they are not dependent on them. 

All the other forms of attachment are insecure forms of attachment, even though each of them acts differently. People with an anxious attachment style are one in which the person is constantly scared that the other will leave them. 

They are extremely insecure about their relationships and can often seem needy. And are always worried their partner doesn’t care enough for them. The avoidant attachment style is one marked by the fear of intimacy. 

When a person has an avoidant attachment style, they might find it hard to get close to people and want to be independent. When people get too close, they can feel suffocated. 

A person with a fearful-avoidant attachment style has a combination of the anxious and avoidant styles. Those people crave closeness, but at the same time want to avoid it at all costs. They can make it extremely hard for them to develop a relationship. This is the rarest form of attachment style.

What are the main symptoms of depression? 

Depression can have many symptoms and is manifested in different ways by each person. But it usually causes people to feel intense sadness. Along with that, people lose hope and purpose in their life. They can feel empty and with less energy.

People with depression can lose interest in things they used to love and find it harder to focus. Not only that, they feel more irritable, guilty, fatigued, and isolated. Depression also changes their eating and sleeping patterns. 

They can also cry a lot more and can harm themselves, along with having thoughts of death and suicidal thoughts. 

What are the most common depression treatments?

Depending on how your depression is, there might be many treatments. If it is a mild depression, some lifestyle changes can be enough to make a person feel better. In those lifestyle changes, one should consider starting exercising and creating healthier life habits.

Exercising can keep you active, give you some endorphins, that will give you an improved sense of well-being. Sleeping and eating well can also make you feel a little more energetic and not so sluggish. 

You can also take up meditating as a way to center yourself and most past, at least temporarily, from the negative thoughts depression brings you. Along with that, having a support network with family and friends might give you a place to vent and distract yourself.

But if a person is experiencing more severe depression, only those lifestyle changes won’t be enough. They might need to go to therapy as a way to better understand their emotions, and also what is the root of their depression.

If you’re facing this, it may be a good idea to seek the help of a therapist or other mental health professional. You can find a therapist at BetterHelp who can help you learn how to cope and address it.

Along with that, they can need medication to handle the depressive symptoms, and for that, they might need to get in touch with a psychiatrist. This doctor, who specializes in mental health, can follow your medication treatment.

Conclusion 

This article discussed the concept of post-show depression. It explained when people get it, how it feels like, and how it relates to depressive disorder. Not only that, the article explained what are ways that people can cope with post-show depression.

If you have any questions or comments about this article, feel free to write it in the section below.

References

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