How to cope with "Post-Travel Depression" – Is it dangerous? Should you see a psychiatrist?
After spending several days off during the Songkran holiday or other long weekends, every time I return, I feel a little sad. Sometimes, I feel down and don't want to go back to work. This happens almost every time. Today, Im going to share about this condition called Post-Travel Depression (PTD) or "Post-Vacation Blues."
Post-Travel Depression is a condition that occurs after a vacation period, and it can happen to anyone. The symptoms can subside on their own after a while. This is not a mental disorder or clinical depression but rather a feeling that arises after a long holiday, which is generally a period of happiness. When returning to normal life, those happy feelings suddenly disappear, causing boredom and reluctance to get back to work. This condition is known by various names in psychology, such as Post-Travel Depression or Post-Vacation Syndrome. The root cause is the sudden drop in Endorphin levels in the body. After being on vacation and experiencing continuous happiness, once we return to our routine life, the brain shifts back to work mode and starts to worry about the tasks ahead. This causes a rapid drop in Endorphin levels. When the brain's emotional regulation cant adjust quickly enough, this results in "Post-Vacation Depression."
Now, lets look at some ways to cope with "Post-Vacation Depression."
1. Understand the situation and think positively
Reflect on your current life rationally and focus on the positive things. Remember the experiences and joy from your vacation as motivation to do good and new things in your daily life. Always remind yourself of this.
2. Start organizing and planning for your return to work
Begin by preparing yourself and setting priorities for the tasks at hand. Try to start with simple tasks first to experience small successes before moving on to more difficult ones. This way, your brain wont get too stressed on the first day back. Setting small goals and achieving them can also make you feel happy at work.
3. Talk to others
Sharing your feelings or emotions and talking about your experiences can prevent you from overthinking and fixating on the past. This is another effective way to cope with post-vacation depression.
4. Engage in other activities
Find activities you enjoy, like relaxation, massage, exercise, or eating healthy food. Consider trying dried fruit snacks for a refreshing change, such as Himalayan salted mandarins, cranberry with Himalayan salt, or pineapple with Himalayan salt. All of these are popular products from Thai Pixel Fruit. You can also snack on nuts for a satisfying treat.
5. Plan your next trip
If you cant forget the fun of the holiday, plan your next trip. Setting goals for the next vacation can help ease the sadness of the previous one.
Thanks to the Department of Mental Health and the Piti Clinic for helping me recognize my own feelings and sharing this information so others can better manage their emotions after traveling and long holidays. If youre feeling this way, dont worry; it will eventually pass as normal.
