What is post-concert depression and how to deal with it?
Attending a concert definitely gives one different happiness that is almost euphoric. And after such a high, going back to reality feels so much like a drop. One gets the feeling that they may never get to experience again the joy they had during the concert, and it feels somehow unmotivating. If you are experiencing the same thing, you may be going through what we call post-concert depression.
What is post-concert depression?
Post-concert depression, or PCD, is the intense feeling of emptiness, sadness, and even despair that one experiences after attending a highly-anticipated concert. It is often described as the “crash” after a momentous event, such as going to one’s favorite artist’s concert and meeting them personally. Although not a clinical condition, most concert-goers, even those who attend concerts frequently, can experience PCD. Post-concert depression manifests itself through five stages, much like when dealing with grief.
Stage 1: Denial
This starts as soon as the encore ends. You stay there in the venue, denying that the concert is finally over and wishing that your faves will be back after a short break. For Filipino concert-goers, starting and joining the “walang uuwi” chant is the first sign that you are in the denial stage of PCD.
Stage 2: Anger
The anger stage is messy. It could start as soon as the organizers remind you that you must begin exiting the venue. It could extend while you are on your way home sitting through traffic. Or even after a whole week has passed and people are asking you about your concert experience. The sudden bursts of anger are just there… waiting to be released as soon as “concert” is mentioned.
Stage 3: Bargaining
You do not want to put an end to your concert high, so you do everything to relive it over and over again. The photos and videos you took will be replayed endlessly. The merch you got during the concert will be long stared on. You might even consider going to the next concert stop to experience it again.
Stage 4: Depression
The time when you have watched and shared all your concert photos and videos and got tired of staring at your concert merch will inevitably come. After that comes the waves of sadness. You may dwell on the thought that you will never get to be as happy as you are during the concert. You may wonder about the possibility that you may never get to see your favorite artists again. And, your reality, such as studying or working, is just as not as appealing as singing your heart out during a concert. This stage could last long, for it could start as soon as the concert ends and until you reach the fifth stage.
Stage 5: Acceptance
After a long period of sadness and depression, the time when you are ready to recall the memories of the concert you attended happily will come. In the acceptance stage, you realize that the happy memories you created will live on forever even though the concert is done. This stage is also where you wholeheartedly accept that you may or may not be able to attend your favorite artist’s next concert.
How to deal with post-concert depression?
Seeing as Post-Concert Depression involves many stages and, well, emotions. How can we possibly deal with and cope with it? Thankfully, there are positive ways to overcome PCD. But remember that everyone handles PCD differently, so choose what can work for you.
Create a keepsake
Creating something that will forever remind you of the memories you made during the concert may bring your happiness back. If you have kept some concert merch, try placing them in a designated place in your room, like a shrine but for your concert merch. You can also try taking the photographs you captured developed, that way you have a long-lasting memory of the concert.
Bond with people you met
Having someone to talk to that share your concert experience is also something that may help you bounce back. Process the concert that happened with them. Share personal memories and anecdotes you could laugh and even cry at together.
Content binging
Another way to cope is just to continue consuming content from your favorite artists. Find new or even old content from your favorite artists to binge-watch so you can take your mind off the concert that happened. Find content from your favorite artists that helped you realize what you love about them and their craft.
Redirect your focus
You can also choose to totally take your mind off both the concert that happened and your favorite artists. Start a new hobby that will make you feel motivated and fulfilled. Find things that give you happiness. Bond with people you can learn a new interest from. Just try to get out there and redirect your energy.
Let your emotions sit
Sometimes, though, all you need is just let your emotions sit. Acknowledge it and feel it for as long as you must. A concert is a grand event in your life, and you are allowed to feel sad or depressed now that it is done. Just remember, though, to still stay in control of your emotions.
Concerts are a journey, from start to finish. So as much as you indulge in the pre-concert excitement, it is also important to be ready and aware once the post-concert depression hits.
