SEVENTEEN, Coldplay, Ed Sheeran, Enhypen, Treasure, SB19, IU, BINI, Darren Espanto… the list goes on.
In 2024, the Philippines has become a hot spot for concerts, with a wide array of lineups of local and international artists holding their live performances one after another. Despite their frequent visits, Filipino fans consistently find themselves in a state of post-concert depression even if it has already been after several weeks.
But what does post-concert depression even mean, and why do people who attend concerts always claim that PCD is real?
What is PCD?
Post-concert depression, commonly referred to as PCD, is the feeling that every fan can relate to after their favorite artists have just finished their much-awaited concerts. It is the intense and combined feelings of disappointment, loneliness, and yearning to see and be with your favorite artists for an extended time and to relive your experience during the concert.
Most of the time, PCD includes imagining yourself at the concert and remembering the feeling you experienced, while being at home or taking a walk. It’s a situation where one may find it hard to return to the real world.
According to Choosing Therapy, “The adrenaline rush of preparing for and attending a concert will start to diminish, and potentially cause a person to crash. All the time previously spent planning and looking forward to the concert can leave a massive hole in a person’s life until the next concert or exciting adventure occurs.”
However, do not fret because PCD is neither a mental illness nor a clinical condition.
According to Medical News Today, “Post-concert depression is not a medical diagnosis but an anecdotal one.” It is common for concert-goers, especially first-timers, to experience PCD after waiting for their favorite artists for a long time.
PCD kicks in at different times in different people. Some fans experience this once the artists go back behind the stage, while others feel this when they arrive home. Meanwhile, there are also people whose PCD kicks in after days.
Moreover, “PCD is real” refers to the testament fans say after they experience a concert for the first time or even the nth time. It is mostly used on X (formerly Twitter) where fans can freely express their sentiments.
“PCD is real” describes the fans’ concert experience when they cannot find the right words to express their feelings. For the artists, it serves as a compliment because it only means that their live performances left an indescribable impact on their fans’ experience.
BINIverse Day 2!!🌸💋
— nic1o (@nico0o0x) June 30, 2024
PCD IS REAL!! 😭 MISS AGAD!!#BINIverse1stSoloConD2 #BINIverse #BINI #BINIverse_TheFirstSoloConcert pic.twitter.com/mjQ4OJLMax
pcd is real. one of the best concerts fr. iba talaga yung experience. maffeel mo na it was really made for the audience🥹✨💙 thank u @coldplay 🫶 #ColdplayManila pic.twitter.com/bgar4i9soh
— J 🦄 (@_jess11ca) January 21, 2024
How to know if you have PCD?
In Lena Suarez-Angelino’s article in Choosing Therapy, she listed down the symptoms of post-concert depression:
- Rumination (continuous negative thoughts)
- Extreme sadness
- Wanting to relive the concert over and over again
- Longing to be back at a show
- Worrying that something so exciting won’t happen again
- Constantly looking at pictures and videos of the show
- Experiences stages of grief
- Feeling as if nothing matters
Although the symptoms are very similar to clinical depression, it is important to remember that PCD is only a feeling and it will ease with time.
A study on Healthline explains that PCD can be differentiated from other forms of depression based on the frequency of negative feelings, thoughts, and emotions. Additionally, the study suggests that PCD can only be experienced occasionally, particularly after the concert attended.
So, how will you overcome PCD? There are five ways to overcome post-concert depression:
- Binge-watch concert videos
Watching concert videos, you recorded or posts from other people, and reminiscing about the moments you spent during the concert can help you relive the excitement and joy of the event.
On the other hand, if you are suffering from what they call “post-concert amnesia” or the situation where it seems that you can’tremember what happened during the concert after you’ve gone home, then this tip will help you to recall what you enjoyed in the concert.
- Prioritize self-care
It is always valid to feel emotional after the concert, but don’t forget to prioritize your well-being. Your love for your favorite artists may be huge, but your love for yourself should always be on top of your list.
Once you get home, take some time to remove your makeup, get a relaxing bath, and change into comfortable clothes before going to bed. Having quality sleep and returning to your daily routine the next day can help ease post-concert depression.
- Explore new activities
During your free time, instead of drowning your thoughts with what you’re missing in the concert, learning new activities can help you take your mind off it. Crocheting, meditating, crafting, playing an instrument, exercising, planting, cooking, or baking, are just a few of the different activities you can try.
However, if you fear trying something new, you may use your free time to pick up on your old hobbies and enhance them to be your skills.
- Plan your next concert
When are they going to have their next concert? Will it be in the same venue? How much will the tickets cost? What will be your desired seat?
Artists do not just hold a concert once, especially in the Philippines, because of the Filipino crowd.
If your favorite artists are reportedly planning to hold another concert, plan your way to attend it again. You may start by saving money until the ticket-selling dates are released; listening to the new songs they could include in the setlist; and searching for other fans’ experiences that can help you improve your upcoming concert experience.
- Interact with other fans
Connecting with other fans lets you know you’re not alone in your experience because it provides a sense of community and support. You may connect with them online or in a physical setup.
Online interaction with other fans often happens on X. You may find many fan accounts and be mutual with them. This allows you to be more updated if your favorite artists have upcoming events, albums, singles, or concerts.
For the physical setup, many fans organize post-concert parties, gatherings, and cup sleeve events that you can attend to share your sentiments. Just be prepared with your pocket money because most of them are paid.
When to seek professional help?
According to Medical News Today, PCD normally lasts for two weeks.
If your symptoms exceed those weeks and they are interfering with your daily activities, the American Psychiatric Association recommends you seek professional help.
To talk to someone for mental health support, you may visit these websites:
Always remember that you are not alone.
With reports from Gella J. Aboratigue
