This blog answers: How to manage post-book depression? What are the stages of post-book depression? What is depression? What are the symptoms of depression? What are the treatment options for depression?

How to manage post-book depression?

Some ways to manage post book depression are:

Plan ahead

When individuals experience post-book depression the first thing they can do is plan ahead. In this, once they finish reading a book they can write a review on it just for their later references with the details about the various elements that they truly appreciate and enjoyed in the book.

This allows individuals to look back on the review and enjoy the good feeling that they experience after reading the book for a little longer and also helps them understand that every book has different elements and different feelings.

Talk to someone who read the book

Individuals can also consider speaking to those they are aware of who have been through a similar experience of going through the same book. This allows them to share their thoughts and emotions about how they are feeling after reading the book and also various strategies to cope with the low mood resulting from the post-book depression.

Apart from the various coping strategies they might also get different perspectives on the book that they enjoyed. A discussion about a book can open various dimensions of thought in many individuals.

Get back to an old favorite

People who experience post-book depression can consider falling back to their old favorite rather than looking for a new book. Going back to an old favorite can help them feel happy and less depressed about finishing their recent book.

It’s usually best if this book is of a completely different genre making very little space for comparison. Every individual who is in the habit of reading will have many favorites taking the help of these to overcome their post-book depression is significantly easy and beneficial.

Explore

It’s very natural for book lovers to experience post-book depression after completing a book that they were so involved in. However gradually they must make up their mind to further explore other books that can bring them joy and happiness like the previous ones.

For this individuals can also get into a book exchange process where a large number of people across the world can participate in a free book exchange. This also helps in widening one’s social circles and connecting with like-minded people who have the same emotions with regard to reading books.

What are the stages of post-book depression?

The various stages of post-book depression are:

Stage 1

Stage one of post-book depression begins even before the individual finishes the book. When an individual is 3/4 of the way through, they begin to think that the end is near. There are mixed emotions as they are excited to finish the book but also the fear that it will be over.

Stage 2

Stage two of post-book depression occurs the moment one finishes the book. This is followed by feelings of grief, euphoria, and nostalgia.

Stage 3

Stage three begins a little while after you finish reading the book when the whole thought of completion sinks in truly. Many individuals might experience a sense of loss and dissatisfaction caused by the lack of lingering happiness that the book bought them.

Stage three can also entail book recommendations from friends, hunting through one’s collection of books for a new read, and trying to find a book that is as satisfying as the previous one.

Stage 4

Stage 4 has individuals stuck to the book that they pick up after the post-book depression. However not many enjoy this book due to the comparison that is made between the current book and the previous one that got them excited.

Stage 5

Stage five marks the beginning of recovery which might vary from individual to individual. Where some might take a few days while some might take a few months however an equilibrium is restored gradually and individuals start to enjoy the other books.

What is depression?

Depression is one of the most common serious mental health conditions that negatively impact how an individual feels and thinks.

Depression is associated with feelings of sadness, a loss of interest in daily activities, and drastic changes in the energy level and the daily routines of an individual.

Depression in itself can lead to other physical and emotional problems which can be detrimental to a person’s functioning.

The symptoms of depression can vary from individual to individual from mild to severe depending on various factors.

Studies indicate that depression affects about 15% of adults every year and one in every six people experience depression at some time in their life.

Although depression can occur at any age it is more common among teenagers and early adults. Research indicates that women are more vulnerable to depression than men.

What are the symptoms of depression?

The characteristic symptoms of depression are:

Feelings of sadness or depressed mood
Loss of interest in activities enjoyed in the past
Changes in appetite leading to weight gain or weight loss
Changes in sleep patterns with very little sleep or long hours of sleep
Decrease in the level of energy
Feelings of worthlessness
Feeling guilty
Difficulty thinking and concentrating
In severe cases thoughts of death or suicide

Symptoms of depression must last up to two weeks and cause significant impairment in an individual’s daily functioning to meet the diagnosis of depression.

What are the treatment options for depression?

Depression though widespread is one of the most treatable mental illnesses. About 90% of people with depression respond well to treatment.

Some possible treatment options for depression are

Medication

Antidepressants are very commonly prescribed by doctors to individuals with depression. These medications are not sedatives or tranquilizers. They generally do not have any stimulating effects on people who do not experience depression.

Antidepressants usually show their effects within a few weeks. However, in cases where patients do not see any improvement after several weeks, they can alter their doses based on the suggestions provided by their health care practitioners.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is also called talk therapy. It is used as a single mode of treatment for mild depression or for moderate to severe depression along with antidepressants.

Psychotherapy might involve the individual alone or other related individuals for instance the family of the concerned person.

Depending on the severity of depression psychotherapy might take a few weeks or much longer for significant improvement

Cognitive-behavioral therapy

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a form of psychotherapy where the therapist actively focuses on problem-solving. This is done by helping individuals replace their negative thoughts with more positive ones.

Electroconvulsive therapy

Electroconvulsive therapy is a treatment model that is commonly used for patients with severe and major depression who usually do not respond to other lines of treatment.

It involves brief electrical stimulation of the brain while the patient is under anesthesia.

Patients receive electroconvulsive therapy two or three times a week for a total of 6 to 12 sessions.

Self-help and coping strategies

Apart from therapy and medicine individuals can also carry out some self-help coping strategies such as carrying out regular exercises, getting sufficient sleep, indulging in pleasurable activities, maintaining a healthy diet, and avoiding alcohol to reduce their symptoms of depression

Conclusion

Post-book depression can be very stressful and depressing for those who have a soft corner for reading. Though others might find it exaggerated it is real and affects many individuals across the globe. However, individuals must adapt to healthy coping strategies to overcome their post-book depression so that they can continue their journey of going through impactful and enjoyable books without any emotional blockage.

Frequently asked questions: How to manage post-book depression?

Why does finishing a book make me sad?

Many individuals feel sad after reading a book because they feel a sense of loss. In that, they feel that they are losing touch with their characters, and the world that the book created for them.

Is post-book depression real?

Post-book depression is a distressing and real experienced by many individuals across the globe.

Can books cause depression?

Research has indicated that depression is higher in individuals who go through growth-oriented books or problem-solving books such as how to lose weight.

Why am I attached to books?

Many individuals feel attached to books due to various reasons such as the characters, context, storyline, and the emotions that the book creates.

Citations

http://www.jcdavis-author.com/2015/01/post-book-depression-survival-guide.html

https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/depression/what-is-depression

How to manage post-book depression?