Understanding and Overcoming the Post-Event Depression Effectively

From Highs to Lows: Coping with Post-Event Depression and Finding Momentum

by Alison L. Mullins - info@repmethods.com

Split image, woman on stage, woman at her desk

Big events are an adrenaline overdose — kind of like the build-up to a major holiday with fireworks (literal or assumed). The anticipation is thrilling, the explosion dazzling, and then… silence. Smoke. Nothing but a quiet sky.

Whether you’re attending or hosting, that silence can feel heavy. Sometimes it shows up as exhaustion, apathy, or self-doubt. Sometimes it’s just plain overwhelm. The truth is, “post-event depression” is a very real phenomenon — and it sneaks in right after the adrenaline wears off.

I’ve been on both sides of that coin. As a speaker and host, I know what it’s like to pour yourself into an event, ride the wave of endorphins, and then crash hard the next day. As an attendee, I’ve left conferences buzzing with ideas, only to feel stuck once I’m back at my desk.

So let’s talk about what really happens, why it happens, and what you can do to keep the momentum going.

For Attendees: “What Do I Do Now?”

You attend a conference, take pages of notes, meet amazing people, and feel lit up with possibility. Then you get home. Suddenly, the energy dips. Those great ideas sit in a notebook, your inbox is overflowing, and you don’t know where to begin.

Sound familiar? Here’s how to beat the blues and re-engage:

1. Do One Small Thing Immediately Don’t tackle everything at once. Pick one action item to complete in the first 48 hours. Send a follow-up email. Try out one new tool. Revisit one exercise from the workshop. Momentum doesn’t require perfection — it just requires movement.

2. Re-Engage with People The best part of events is the people you meet. Don’t let those connections fade. Schedule a 15-minute coffee chat, comment on their LinkedIn post, or send a simple “great meeting you!” note.

3. Introduce New Themes Slowly Resist the urge to overhaul your business overnight. If you learned 10 new strategies, try one per week. Layering change keeps it sustainable.

4. Ask for Help If you’re inspired but unsure how to implement, that’s where coaching comes in. A coach (hi 👋 that’s me!) helps translate inspiration into action — with accountability and measurable progress.👉 Check out my coaching programs

Another 2 part image, one a stage performer and two, a lady at a desk with coffee

For Hosts: Riding the High… Then the Crash

Hosting or speaking at an event is its own beast. The adrenaline starts weeks before: planning, promoting, rehearsing. Then comes the big day — lights, energy, momentum.

And then… silence.

That silence can feel brutal. Post-event blues for hosts often look like:

• Feeling like you didn’t do enough (even if you did everything you could).

• Apathy and exhaustion when the energy disappears.

• Self-doubt: “Was it worth it? Did people even care?”

Here’s the truth: your body has been riding a chemical high. Endorphins, adrenaline, cortisol — all spiking. When they drop, your system needs time to regulate.

I recently listened to this YouTube talk that dives into how our minds process big highs followed by sudden lows. It was a great reminder: you’re not broken, you’re just human.

On a personal note: the week of my summit, I went to see comedian Gary Owen here in Richmond with a friend, the incredible performer Sarah White. She had her own show that same week, and when we compared notes, she said: “Even just being on stage for an hour takes so much energy.” She’s right. Prep time, setup, stress — even if you’re relaxed, your body is still pumping cortisol.

And after? My brain immediately tries to remind me of everything I could’ve done better. Sometimes even my dreams are filled with “rewrites.” Honestly, I can be my own worst critic. Ugh. It takes conscious effort to rewire those signals and be kind to myself.

How to Handle the Blues as a Host

• Build in Recovery Time. Block the next day for rest. No heavy meetings, no big projects.

• Celebrate the Wins. Write down three things that went really well. Train your brain to see the good.

• Stay Connected. Send thank-yous, post highlights, or debrief with your team. Keep the energy alive.

• Detach Your Worth. You are not the event. Success isn’t defined by one moment — but by the ripple effects that follow.

  
  

Final Thoughts

The post-event blues aren’t failure. They’re proof that you showed up, gave it your all, and cared enough to feel something when it ended.

Whether you’re an attendee with a notebook full of ideas or a host stepping off stage into the quiet, remember: momentum doesn’t come from massive leaps. It comes from consistent steps, one at a time.

And if you’re ready to turn the high of inspiration into sustainable action — let’s talk. That’s what I do best.

📩 info@repmethods.com | Rep Methods Coaching Programs

References: AI helped format this content & generated from a class I took this week linked here: Post Event Depression Keeping Your Attendees Happy - High Road Solutions