Psychologist Jeanette Raymond explains that “The feelings of emptiness and depression after engaging with something so absorbing are because a part of you died when that experience ended… In order to have enjoyed it so much, you put yourself into it and became part of it. That’s what made it so entrancing — you opened yourself up to all the richness of emotions. You were fed in a way that satisfied, but not just by giving you the good stuff — it was deep stuff that touched all emotions and vulnerabilities, safely, without destroying you. However, when it was over, it took that part of you with it; you ceded that part of you to the experience, and now it’s been taken, used up and spent.
No matter how good the experience, reality now feels empty, and you may react with grief, depression and purposelessness. It’s a tribute to the experience that it gave you so much without actually putting you through the rigors of the hero/anti-hero life. You borrowed their life, and now you have to return it.”
I am happy I was with them for this journey. 💙
Comments