Episode 236: Clinicans Corner - Post Event Collapse

In this compassionate and insightful episode, Clarissa and Molly dive into the phenomenon of post-event collapse—the physical, emotional, and psychological crash that can follow highly stimulating or meaningful experiences. Whether it’s a vacation, a major life event, a group share, or even just navigating a family gathering, many in food addiction recovery find themselves disoriented and vulnerable in the days that follow.

They unpack the biology (hello dopamine crash), psychology (emotional contrast effects), and the nervous system’s role (freeze/dorsal vagal responses), and they offer gentle, practical strategies for reentry and recovery. This episode is both validating and empowering—for listeners in recovery and for clinicians supporting them.

💡 Key Takeaways: What Is Post-Event Collapse?

A drop in energy, motivation, or mood after a highly stimulating or stressful event.
Often triggered by dopamine depletion, nervous system overload, and loss of structure.
Symptoms include: fatigue, cravings, irritability, sadness, restlessness, shame spirals, and “vulnerability hangovers.”

🧠 The Science Behind It: 

The brain shifts from an activated, goal-directed state (dopamine high) to a depleted, low-stimulation state.
This emotional contrast can feel like going from technicolor to gray.
For those with trauma, neurodivergence, or attachment wounds, this crash may be even more intense.

💬 Common Scenarios That Trigger Collapse:

Vacations (especially with family)
Funerals, weddings, or big work events
Emotional vulnerability (group shares, therapy sessions)
Changes in routine or environment

🛠️ Coping Tools & Recovery Strategies:

Plan for reentry as much as the event itself. Create a 72-hour buffer.
Return rituals: Soft structure for meals, movement, hydration, rest, and reconnection.
Freeze meals or stock Factor meals for post-travel ease.
Anchor with connection: Reach out to your “seen and safe” people.
Use micro grounding tools during events (walking, nature, breath, touch points).
Practice self-compassion: Validate the guilt and exhaustion without judgment.
Communicate proactively with family to soften expectations post-return.

🧰 For Clinicians & Coaches: Normalize post-event collapse as part of the healing arc.
Support clients in building after-care plans (not just event plans).
Teach co-regulation skills and help clients ride the emotional wave.
Watch for perfectionism in recovery and help clients practice grace.
Encourage gentle transitions, especially for those navigating early recovery.

🔄 Favorite Quotes:
“This is the slow after the fast. It’s not failure—it’s your nervous system recalibrating.” – Clarissa
“You don’t have to avoid the guilt. You can rest and feel guilt. Guilt won’t kill us—but burnout just might.” – Clarissa
“This isn’t recurrence—it’s biology. Let’s name it, normalize it, and meet it with compassion.” – Molly
“Have a post-event plan like you’d pack a suitcase—soft landing included.” – Molly

🎁 Bonus Tips:
Live like a tourist: Bring the wonder of vacation into everyday life.
Use group support to “bookend” your events: check-in before, share after.
Teach your clients to identify their own 72-hour needs. There’s no one-size-fits-all.

💌 Questions or Comments?
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