- Taylor Swift's Eras Tour and Beyonce's Renaissance Tour have fans in a frenzy.
- After the buildup of such an exciting event, it's normal to feel down.
This summer hundreds of thousands of people have spent hours fighting for tickets, picking their perfect concert outfit, talking excitedly with friends, and ultimately watching their heroes — Beyonce or Taylor Swift — live and in person.
But after the anticipation, effort, and excitement of a monumental concert (or another big event), it's normal to experience a slump or even depression-like symptoms, says psychologist Michele Leno.
"It's a feeling of 'now what am I going to do?'" Leno said. "It shows up as doom and gloom and a lack of motivation after the event."
The symptoms are typically mild and don't usually get to the point of actual depression, Leno notes. Still, it can take effort — and sometimes professional help — to get back on track after an exhilarating experience like a concert. Here's what Leno recommends to help yourself feel better.
Identify why the event was so meaningful
Fans have spent months looking forward to, and maybe even obsessing over, their concert date. Sometimes, it can feel like your whole life revolves around the buildup to a big event. So once that passes, you can feel left without direction.
Leno recommends thinking about what drives you. Get beyond the awesome show, and think about why the concert (or other big event) made you so happy. Then, you can plan more ways to tap into that feeling. And remember, this doesn't mean just clicking purchase on more concert tickets, but really reflecting on what drives you as a person.
"It has to come from inside first," Leno said.
Tap into your happiness
Hopefully, your concert experience was everything that you hoped for and more. In that case, extend the happiness it gives you.
Like this first step, this involves some reflection. What made you most happy? Dressing up? Spending time with friends? Listening to live music? Embrace that and find ways to have more of that positive excitement in your life — even on a smaller scale.
"These events are reminders that happiness is ours to claim," Leno said.
Show up for yourself
Showing up for an artist you admire is wonderful, Leno says. But it's also a way to show up for yourself — the art you love, the concepts you believe in, and the activities that bring you joy. Keep that self-care energy going even after the concert ends.
"It's like a self-care moment, focused on you because you're pouring into yourself," she said. Make more of those, whether it's getting drinks with friends or buying a new outfit that makes you feel confident.
Live vicariously through others
Leno says that when your show has passed, there's always a chance to live vicariously through others. This is also a great strategy for people who weren't able to secure tickets. Rather than feeling jealous or FOMO when you see social media posts about the concerts, try to take a moment to enjoy what your friends are showing you, Leno says.
Ignore those who don't get it
Leno says the same people in your life who might not have understood your excitement about the concert likely won't understand your letdown afterward. But that's OK. And the fact that they don't get it doesn't make your experience any less real.
"Ignore the naysayers," Leno said. "Until they experience it."
Reach out for help if you need it
If you're really feeling the blues, reach out to other people, Leno says. Sometimes it's enough to talk to others who went to the concert with you. They might be feeling the same way.
In other cases, talking with a therapist is a good idea to manage the transition, even if it's just once or twice.
"Sometimes, needing help is temporary," Leno said.