Post-Event Depression

After my Dad's Memorial Dinner, I think I had a bad case of Post-Event Depression. I don't know if that's a thing, or if I made it up, but here's the idea:

Most people have heard about post-partum depression. I summarize it, unscientifically, and with no firsthand experience, like this:

A mother's body works so hard to create a baby, her mind works so hard to comprehend the work her body is doing, and her heart works so hard to grow big enough to unconditionally love a wholly defenseless human being, that once the kidlet is born, body, mind, and heart are utterly exhausted.

It doesn't happen to all women at the same level, and I hear that lots of hormones kick in, and help with preventing a total exhausted collapse...but some woman get really sad to be - comparatively quickly - separated from this really big, all-encompassing task of making a new human.

Or alternative theory: When hormones kicked in with the high of "I have a New Baby!" coming down off the euphoria wasn't far behind.

All of this makes perfect, logical sense to me. Which is why I believe in post-event depression too.

Anytime you pour your energy, heart, mind, and body, into an event, when it is done, there's a re-adjustment period. And that time can be hard.

When this is job-related, there's usually parallel activity, and/or yet another job to do up ahead, and perhaps that forestalls some of the letdown that the event is over.

Without something to turn to, or a way to return to 'normal;' Without a way to cleanse both the stress and elation reactions out of our bodies after a big event...there's bound to be some hormonal, emotional, mental kickback.

So if you've been working on a big event, be aware of this in advance. Plan for it if you can. Figure out how you can best reflect, celebrate and relish your amazing event...and then mourn, say goodbye, and return yourself to the present.

I find the re-setting really hard to do. Anyone else? Anyone have specific "re-set" suggestions?

Adventures in Dog Sitting

I'm pet sitting for a few days, and I decided to bring Dog 2 (names changed to protect the innocent) to my house for part of each day. This meant that I didn't have to make as many trips downtown while pet sitting. Besides, I live next door to the dog park! Perfect!

I may be reversing that decision. There's poison oak there. That means 2 dogs to wash instead of one. And, it turns out, Olieo is not ok with me paying attention to - aka washing - another dog. He butted in while I was washing Dog 2, getting himself (and me) all wet and muddy again. 

He nervously tries to follow Dog 2 all around the house, running back and forth to find me, as if to say, "HES STILL HERE!!!!!" It seriously interrupts my work to have him trying to get my attention all the time.

Dog 2 was not ok at the park, off-leash. He wandered off while I was throwing the stick for Olieo, and I "lost" him for a good -lifetime long- 10 minutes. Found him down a side path, being social with another owner, but he has lost his off-leash privilege. 

Dog 2 has the sweetest face, everyone takes him for a puppy. And he runs up to other dogs and dog owners, but then often starts barking at them. The, "Oh what a cute puppy! He's so adorable!" quickly turns into, "Geesh, control your dog, Lady..." Which I actually can't do. 

I always try to be the best caretaker to whomever I'm responsible for at the moment, but OMG is this a challenge!!! 

And I am going to sit here for a quiet, no-animal moment, and just be SO GRATEFUL for Olieo. For my brother's initial training, for my father's continued love and discipline of him, and for me having the presence of mind to explore, and find my boundaries.

I am NOT a dog person, and just having one amazing dog hasn't changed that. Dogs are stressful. Pets are stressful, and a big responsibility. Some are much less stressful...which is what makes me a cat person. I should stick to sitting and petting my kitty BFFFs...

EDITED: on the other hand, Dog 2 may be solar powered. He sat happily in the sunshine most of the afternoon. I am happy that he seems content at our home, and at ease with me.