PostChasms

PostChasms is a term used to describe the emotional and psychological aftermath experienced by individuals following a significant and often sudden positive change or event. This can include a major life accomplishment, the resolution of a long-standing struggle, or the attainment of a deeply desired goal. Unlike the anticipated joy and relief that might follow such an event, PostChasms refers to a period of disorientation, emptiness, or even sadness that can emerge once the peak of the experience has passed.

The feeling is akin to the "post-holiday blues" or the "post-competition slump," but on a potentially larger scale. Individuals experiencing PostChasms might find themselves questioning their purpose, feeling a lack of direction, or struggling to adapt to a new normal that feels less stimulating than the struggle or anticipation that preceded it. The intensity of the original achievement can create a void when it is no longer the central focus of their lives.

There is no single cause for PostChasms, but it is often linked to identity shifts. When a person's identity has been deeply intertwined with achieving a specific goal, the absence of that goal can lead to a crisis of self. It can also be a natural recalibration period as the brain adjusts to a new reality. Awareness of PostChasms can be the first step in managing it, allowing individuals to proactively seek new challenges, reconnect with existing interests, or reframe their perspectives on their recent success.