Why do I want to shoot myself after I finish a long, creative project?

[graywarrior]

When writers finish a book, do they get depressed? Do musicians want to jump off a bridge after they record a song? Do artists think about eating a gun when they finish a painting?

Why do I feel like curling up in a ball and crying my eyes out?

Do I need therapy?

I want a hug.

[trof]

1. I like to just stand back and admire what I've accomplished.

For a long time.
;-)
But here's a hug, anyway.
:hug:

[ZombieNixon]

2. I get this feeling...

for me it's because all my life I've lived for the challenge of whatever I'm doing, and when said task is accomplished, the "what do I do now?" feeling sets in. Sometimes the loss of purpose gets overwhelming and I just want to go to sleep forever. :shrug:

I find the trick is to keep myself occupied, even if it's with such mundane things as laundry or vacuuming.

[WritingIsMyReligion]

3. I like to yell with joy and run around the house.

:D Mind you, I've done plenty of creative projects, but my novel I have not finished yet. So I don't know if that counts....

What's this long, creative project of yours that you've just fiished?

[Oeditpus Rex]

4. Because it's like 'Finished... now what?'

There's no afterglow, especially if you work alone.

It's just... done.

:hug:

[skygazer]

5. Yes, yes and yes

At least for some of them.

The creative process is draining. And for some of us, there is an odd emotional letdown at its completion. I've thought about it a lot and the only conclusion I can come to is that I've put so much energy and focus into it that I'm left feeling like I have nothing left to exist for (at least briefly).

It's not odd and it's not unusual but it does kinda suck. :hug: :hug: :hug: For me, I just need to shrivel up briefly and re-energise. Then I'm right back being insanely focused on something again.

[Xipe Totec]

6. Post Project Depression?

I know how you feel.

:-(

[graywarrior]

7. Ahhh, sweet validation....

I'm creating PR stuff for the non-profit I work for. I just completed a 6 page newsletter that must appeal to donors and at the same time not exploit our consumers who are all disabled. So it had to be balanced, sensitive and honest. Very tricky. Plus, it had to be an eye catching newletter, which it is if I do say so myself.

Now I have press packages to put together, celebrities to entice into a tour through our new digs, politicians to invite, and grand opening to plan, along with a press day and a million other things to do, so I shouldn't be feeling like driving my car off a bridge at this point. But there it is...my dysfunction leads the way.