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The “post-con depression” or “post-con blues” is a common phenomenon experienced by many people after attending large, stimulating events like comic conventions, music festivals, or concerts. This feeling of sadness and letdown can be intense and even debilitating for some.

In this episode of the Portrait of a Fangirl Podcast, host Jenna Wrenn, is joined by executive producer Monica Duarte and Therapist Lileana Roque. They will explore the causes of post-con blues, its impact on mental health, and effective coping mechanisms to help individuals navigate this challenging experience.

What is Post-Con Depression and How to Cope – Discussion

In an emergency or crisis, don’t hesitate. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. Additional crisis resources are available [here].

This website offers information to help you learn about mental health and explore if therapy might be right for you. However, it’s important to understand that this information is for educational purposes only. If you’re considering therapy, it’s crucial to consult with a qualified mental health professional.

The content on this website is not a substitute for professional medical or psychiatric advice. It can help you decide if you or someone you know could benefit from professional help, but it doesn’t provide treatment itself. Never rely solely on this website to make treatment decisions; always consult a trained mental health professional.

Post-Con Depression: Understanding and Coping with the Aftermath of Exciting Events

The post-con blues, also known as post-event blues or post-conference letdown, is a natural reaction to the contrast between the high stimulation and excitement of an event and the return to regular, everyday life. During these events, individuals often experience a surge of dopamine and other “happy hormones,” leading to a sense of euphoria and fulfillment. When the event ends, the sudden drop in these hormones can trigger feelings of sadness, emptiness, and even depression.

Coping Mechanisms

While the post-con blues is not a clinical diagnosis, it can significantly impact mental health. The intensity of these feelings can vary depending on individual factors such as personality, coping mechanisms, and the significance of the event. For some, the post-con blues may be a temporary experience that fades within a few days. However, for others, it can linger and even trigger or exacerbate existing mental health conditions like anxiety or depression.

Fortunately, there are several effective coping mechanisms that individuals can employ to mitigate the effects of post-con blues:

1. Self-Awareness and Acceptance: Recognizing and accepting the post-con blues as a normal experience is the first step towards coping. Understanding the reasons behind these feelings can help individuals validate their emotions and avoid self-criticism.
2. Healthy Routines: Maintaining healthy routines, including regular sleep, exercise, and balanced meals, is crucial for mental well-being. These routines help regulate mood and energy levels, making it easier to cope with emotional fluctuations.
3. Social Connections: Connecting with friends, family, or online communities can provide support and understanding during this challenging time. Sharing experiences and feelings with others who have gone through similar situations can be incredibly comforting.
4. Healthy Distractions: Engaging in enjoyable activities and hobbies can help shift focus away from negative emotions and provide a sense of accomplishment and joy. These distractions can be anything from creative pursuits like writing or painting to physical activities like hiking or yoga.
5. Professional Support: If the post-con blues persist or significantly impact daily functioning, seeking professional help is essential. A therapist can provide guidance and support in developing coping mechanisms and addressing any underlying mental health concerns.

About Our Guest – Lileana Roque

Lileana Roque is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and psychotherapist at LBR Mental Health PLLC. She understands that choosing therapy can be intimidating, so she strives to make the process as comfortable and engaging as possible. Moreover, she recognizes that therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all; each person is unique and an expert in their own life. Lileana works with clients to explore their past, present, and future at their own pace. In addition, Lileana is passionate about helping clients “connect their dots” to gain a deeper understanding of themselves, others, and the world around them.

She collaborates with clients to identify solutions that best fit their needs, utilizing strength-based and culturally sensitive approaches to therapy. To achieve this, she employs modalities such as attachment-based, psychodynamic, trauma-focused, somatic, and solution-focused therapies.

Lileana’s specialization and experience encompass working with diverse populations in rural and urban settings. Specifically, she has experience working with parents and families, individuals with ADHD (children, adolescents, and adults), those suffering from complex traumas (such as early attachment trauma), victims of sexual abuse, domestic violence, and human trafficking, individuals who have committed sexual offenses, and people living with HIV.

Finally, she is a certified clinical trauma professional-II (CCTP-II), a certified sex offender treatment provider (CSOTP), and is trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).

LBR Mental Health

At her group practice, LBR Mental Health PLLC (LBRMH), they actively champion accessible remote mental health support. To achieve this, they harness technology to provide convenient remote therapy, thus breaking down geographical barriers and promoting inclusivity.

At LBRMH, the psychotherapists share a mission: therapy is universally beneficial and offers enrichment to everyone. With this in mind, they deliver personalized, integrative psychotherapy treatments, infused with precision, empathy, and a commitment to lasting positive change.

LBRMH specializes in addressing diverse needs. In particular, their therapists excel in areas such as trauma, LGBTQ+ issues, ADHD, cultural diversity, and offenses against others, tailoring their approaches to each group’s unique requirements.

Compassion is central to their practice. Therefore, their therapists prioritize empathy, understanding, and a non-judgmental approach, cultivating a safe, supportive environment that fosters trust and collaboration. This compassionate approach not only enhances well-being but also creates a positive and empowering mental health experience.

Portrait of a Fangirl  Podcast

“Portrait of a Fangirl” is a series from the team at Temple of Geek. Initially a web series, it has expanded into a podcast, now in its second season. You can watch and listen both here and on our YouTube channel. Hosted by Jenna Wrenn, the project focuses on telling the stories of women who have found inspiration, growth, and power through fandom.

You can listen to the Portrait of a Fangirl   Podcast directly on this page or stream it on Apple Podcasts / Google Podcast / iHeart Radio / Spotify and wherever you stream your podcasts. You can even watch it on our YouTube channel. Find us on social media on Instagram and TikTok.

About our Host

As the Host and Executive producer of the Portrait of a Fangirl   Podcast, Jenna Wrenn is also an entertainment correspondent for Temple of Geek.  Jenna has interviewed talents such as Felicia Day, Max Brooks, Christopher Paolini, Rachel Smythe, and Ashley Eckstein. She has written several articles for Temple of Geek covering conventions, anime, pop culture, and much more.

A historian by trade, a writer by passion, and a cat mom by birthright. Jenna loves to travel, forge new connections, and cosplay. In addition, she is excited to bring more fascinating interviews to the viewers and listeners of the Portrait of a Fangirl podcast.