EAT THE POST-EVENT BLUES

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.

- AMBER BRAMBLE

“It is not uncommon that we will experience the ‘blues’ following any major event,” explains Dr Timothy 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.