Con Blues - We Hate it!
I hate it. You hate it. That stupid feeling that appears after every convention. I experienced it with gigs as well and even trips. But what is this “blues” feeling?
“Con blues" refers to the feeling of sadness, emptiness, or letdown that some people experience after attending a convention or a large event. It's the emotional comedown that occurs when the excitement, energy, and sense of community of the event dissipate, leaving participants feeling a bit deflated or disconnected upon returning to their normal routines. It's a common phenomenon among convention-goers, especially after spending several days immersed in a vibrant and exciting atmosphere surrounded by like-minded individuals.
Usually I have moments with friends after it, so it would help that blues feeling a lil’ bit
Or even just organising my purchases and writing about the event!
Con blues can occur for several reasons:
Emotional High: Conventions are often filled with excitement, energy, and a sense of belonging. Participants may form strong connections with fellow fans, meet celebrities they admire, and immerse themselves in their favorite hobbies. When the convention ends, the abrupt return to everyday life can feel dull and lackluster in comparison.
Social Withdrawal: During a convention, individuals may interact with others more frequently and intensely than they do in their regular lives. The sudden transition back to a less social environment can leave them feeling lonely or isolated.
Post-Event Letdown: The anticipation leading up to a convention can be intense, and when it's over, there's often a feeling of emptiness or disappointment as the event that was eagerly anticipated has come to an end.
Exhaustion: Conventions can be physically and mentally exhausting, with long days filled with activities, panels, and socializing. Afterward, participants may experience fatigue or burnout, contributing to feelings of sadness or malaise.
Sense of Loss: For some, attending a convention can be a form of escapism or a temporary break from the stresses of everyday life. Returning to reality can feel like losing that temporary escape, leading to feelings of sadness or longing for the convention experience.
Overall, con blues are a natural response to the contrast between the intense, immersive experience of a convention and the return to normalcy afterward.
The worst episode I had was after my very first one. I cried for two days and I’m not a person that usually cries. From now and then I barely feel Con Blues. I think it was “worst” in the beginning where everything was new to me.
I started to feel it before I went to Mark because I knew it would be the last time I was gonna have with him that weekend, but his auto and hug and his words to me when we dismissed made it feel so much better.
Coping with con blues can be challenging, but there are several strategies that can help:
Reflect on Positive Experiences: Take some time to reflect on the enjoyable moments and positive experiences you had during the convention. Remind yourself of the connections you made, the fun activities you participated in, and the memories you created.
Stay Connected: Keep in touch with friends and fellow attendees from the convention. Reach out through social media, forums, or messaging apps to maintain those connections and share your experiences. Knowing that others are going through similar feelings can be comforting.
Set Realistic Expectations: Recognize that it's natural to feel a bit down after the excitement of a convention. Allow yourself some time to adjust back to your regular routine and don't put too much pressure on yourself to immediately bounce back.
Plan for the Future: Look ahead to future conventions or events that you're excited about attending. Having something to look forward to can help alleviate feelings of post-convention sadness.
Engage in Self-Care: Take care of yourself physically and emotionally. Get plenty of rest, eat healthily, and engage in activities that help you relax and recharge. Exercise, meditation, or indulging in hobbies can all be beneficial.
Channel Your Energy: Find constructive ways to channel the energy and enthusiasm you had during the convention into your everyday life. Whether it's starting a new project, pursuing a hobby, or volunteering in your community, staying active and engaged can help lift your spirits.
Share Your Experience: Consider writing about your convention experience in a blog post, journal, or social media post. Sharing your thoughts and memories can be therapeutic and may also resonate with others who are experiencing similar feelings.
Remember that it's okay to feel a bit blue after a convention, and these feelings are temporary. With time and self-care, you'll gradually adjust back to your normal routine and the post-convention blues will fade.
