post-field crash

[jay]

I may as well own up to it... I've been not just stressed, but fighting depression on-and-off for a few days. Not terribly sociable, and I've had my selfish and antisocially insular moments. I need to apologize to several people I've hurt in the meanwhile.

Reasons? I don't know... every time in the past few years that I return to mundane reality at home after a long trip testing something in a faraway place, I seem to get cranky and depressed about 3-5 days afterward. That, plus this time I received three different rejections of various social sorts from individuals, clustered in the same 5 days after I returned from the field, giving me ample fodder to beat up on myself. And take it out on those nearer and dearer... sigh. My bad.

Comments

[dangerpudding.livejournal.com]

Awareness helps. Knowing that you need to treat yourself with more kindness then usual helps, too.

I often find coming home from these sorts of things to be both overwhelming and underwhelming. I'm suddenly surrounded by friends and family and snuggles and such, all wanting my attention and snuggles and to see me cause it's been so long. But at the same time, the sense of singular purpose and mission that comes with these trips is gone.

When possible, scheduling a week off after a big trip helps some - lets one ease back into the changes.

[brian1789.livejournal.com]

Yes! both overwhelming and underwhelming is perfect. Loss of purpose and focus, lots of tiny confused details, and many more people. Although I could have really used more snuggles, there hasn't been all that much and I've carried a deficit away from 2 weeks of no-contact ;).

A week off, this time? Heh... you know the reality of that as well as I do. :)