During the COVID pandemic, mental health was one of the prevalent topics in the world, with people, creatives included, coming out to express how the pandemic affected their mental health.
In a 2021 study, nearly half of Americans surveyed reported recent symptoms of an anxiety or depressive disorder, and 10% of respondents felt their mental health needs were not being met.– citation.
But before depression and mental health became a prevalent topic, creatives were the most vocal on the subject matter.
Aside from them being the most vocal ones on the subject, we've recorded from several sources that creatives are the most prone to depression at a rate more significant than the general population.
Furthermore, in recent reports, those who work in the creative industry made the list of the "industry/profession with the highest suicide rate", with depression as one of the underlying causes.
Depression is a mental health disorder characterised by persistent sadness, emptiness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities. It can significantly impact a person's thoughts, emotions, behaviour, and well-being.
Depression often interferes with daily functioning and can affect various aspects of life, including work, relationships, and physical health.
The classification of depression can vary based on different factors and contributing causes.
Here are the four significant classifications commonly recognised:
Biological depression, clinical depression or major depressive disorder (MDD) involves a complex interaction of natural factors.
It is often attributed to imbalances in neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain.
Biological depression may have a genetic component, making some individuals more predisposed to developing the disorder.
It is diagnosed based on specific criteria outlined in psychiatric diagnostic manuals, such as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
Situational depression also referred to as reactive or adjustment disorder with depressed mood, arises as a response to specific stressful life events or circumstances.
These events can include the loss of a loved one, relationship difficulties, job loss, financial problems, or other significant life changes.
Situational depression is typically time-limited and tends to resolve as individuals adjust and cope with the situation or seek support.
Depression that stems from psychological factors is called psychological depression. This type of depression can be caused by negative thinking patterns, unresolved emotional conflicts, or low self-esteem. It can also be associated with personality traits, maladaptive coping strategies, or past traumatic experiences.
People with psychological depression often have distorted thought patterns, engage in self-criticism, and feel a sense of despair or worthlessness. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is a common treatment approach for psychological depression.
Existential depression relates to a person's search for meaning, purpose, and understanding.
It can arise from existential concerns, including feelings of existential dread, isolation, or a lack of significance.
Existential depression often occurs when individuals grapple with philosophical or existential questions about their existence, values, and the meaning of life.
Therapy approaches such as existential therapy, or meaning-centred therapy can be beneficial in addressing and exploring these underlying concerns.
Post-Project Depression seems to be the least talked about type of depression globally, but it is no new topic in the creative industry.
This type of depression refers to a state of low mood, disengagement, or dissatisfaction that individuals may experience after completing a significant project or achieving a primary goal.
It is commonly observed among individuals who invest a substantial amount of time, effort, and emotional energy into a specific endeavour, only to feel empty or purposeless once it is over.
The experience of post-project depression can vary from person to person, and because this type of depression isn't mainstream yet, an individual could be suffering from it without knowing and may mistake it for mood swings and periodic sadness.
Without proper diagnosis and knowledge of this type of depression, an individual may suffer in silence, and the condition lingers for a long time.
Below are some common symptoms and feelings associated with post-project depression:
Individuals may struggle to find a new sense of purpose or direction after completing a project.
The absence of a clear goal or the feeling of needing something to work towards can lead to emptiness or lack of motivation.
This may occur if an individual sees the completed project as their calling or end goal; investing time and effort in it can leave the individual deflated and empty.
Leaving them with the "What Next?" question.
The adrenaline and excitement that often accompany the project's completion can abruptly fade away, leaving individuals feeling deflated, sad, or even anxious.
If an individual has overly high expectations for the project outcome, it may lead to disappointment if the expectations aren’t met. Unrealistic expectations can set the stage for emotional letdowns, regardless of the project's success.
Emotional letdown can also occur if the project's outcome or an individual's contributions are not adequately recognised or acknowledged by others. Recognition and validation play a significant role in how individuals perceive their accomplishments.
Uncertainty about the future can also contribute to emotional letdown. After completing a project, individuals may face uncertainty about what comes next. A lack of clarity or direction regarding future projects or goals can contribute to feelings of unease or emotional letdown.
Lastly, Burnout or exhaustion also plays a significant role in emotional letdown in an individual suffering from post-project depression. If the project involves intense or prolonged work periods, it can leave individuals feeling drained or depleted once it is over.
Burnout or physical and mental exhaustion can contribute to emotional letdowns as you struggle to regain energy and motivation.
Individuals may question their performance or accomplishments when the project is finished.
They may compare themselves to others or experience imposter syndrome, doubting their skills or the value of their work.
If the project involves a team or a group of collaborators, the end of the project can result in a sense of loss as individuals no longer have regular interactions or a shared purpose with their teammates.
The completion of a project often marks a transition period where roles, responsibilities, and dynamics change. This transition can disrupt established routines and connections, leading to disconnection as individuals adjust to new circumstances.
Also, the project's demands required individuals to devote significant time and energy to their work, leaving little room for socialising outside project-related activities.
Once the project ends, individuals may realise they have neglected their social lives or have limited opportunities to engage in social activities, which can intensify feelings of isolation.
Coping with post-project depression requires a proactive and self-care-oriented approach.
Below are some strategies that can help individuals cope with post-project depression in a professional context:
It is important to acknowledge and accept any feelings of disappointment, emptiness, or self-doubt that may arise after completing a project.
Attempting to suppress these emotions will only delay the coping and healing process. Recognising that these emotions are normal and valid can help an individual begin to cope and heal.
Reflect on the successes and milestones you achieved during the project.
Recognise the skills you developed, the challenges you overcame, and the value you brought to the project.
Celebrate your accomplishments and give yourself enough credit for your hard work, take your mind off the project's outcome and focus more on the “process.” this will not just help you cope with it but may help you see the whole situation in a new and positive light.
Identify new projects or personal goals that align with your interests and professional aspirations.
Setting new goals can reignite your purpose and provide a fresh focus for your energy and efforts.
Break down these goals into actionable and realistic steps to create a sense of progress and momentum.
You can do this if you lose a sense of purpose and meaning after completing the project.
Sharing your experiences and emotions with others can help alleviate isolation and provide new perspectives.
As creatives, we may feel the need to act strong and invincible due to the people looking up to us. However, post-project depression can affect anyone, and seeking support doesn't make one weak but rather shows strength.
The first step in coping with post-project depression is to reach out to trusted colleagues, mentors, or friends who can provide a listening ear, comfortable environment, and emotional support.
It is essential to prioritise self-care activities that promote physical and emotional well-being, especially when working in the creative industry.
This industry can cause you to miss out on fun activities the average person enjoys since the work required is primarily mental and demanding. However, engaging in regular exercise, maintaining a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and practising relaxation techniques can help you cope with the stress, fatigue, and emotional depletion that comes with completing a demanding project.
Taking breaks and engaging in hobbies or activities that bring you joy and help you recharge is also crucial.
Note that practising self-care is not limited to after the completion of the project; it's essential to practice it throughout the project to reduce the chance of post-project depression.
Challenge negative self-talk. Replace with self-affirming thoughts. Embrace a growth mindset that recognises setbacks as opportunities for learning.
Establishing a routine and structure in your post-project phase can provide stability and purpose. Set specific work hours, allocate time for personal activities, and balance work and leisure.
If post-project depression persists or significantly affects your daily functioning, consider seeking professional support from a therapist or counsellor.
They can guide, offer coping strategies, and help you navigate this challenging period.
It's important to remember that coping with post-project depression is a process that takes time. Therefore, it is essential to be patient with yourself.
By implementing various strategies, you can gradually regain your motivation, find new opportunities, and foster personal and professional growth in your post-project journey.
You should also note that depression is a complex condition, and individuals may experience symptoms that overlap across different classifications.
Accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment typically involve a comprehensive assessment conducted by mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, or therapists, who can provide tailored interventions based on the specific type of depression and individual circumstances.