Post-Achievement Depression: How To Know You Have It
Summary
Post-achievement depression is a feeling of emptiness or sadness that some people experience after reaching a big goal or milestone. Experts say this happens because people link their self-worth to achievements, and when the achievement doesn’t bring the expected happiness, they feel disappointed and quickly look for new goals.Key Facts
- Post-achievement depression happens after events like graduation, promotion, or personal successes.
- It often affects high-achieving, perfectionistic people who equate achievement with personal value.
- The term "arrival fallacy" describes the false belief that reaching a goal will bring lasting happiness.
- People may feel let down and start chasing new goals quickly to escape disappointment.
- Therapists explain this as the brain’s reward system reacting to the end of a goal-driven process.
- Achievement can be a way some people seek safety, belonging, or validation.
- The feeling is common enough to be recognized by mental health professionals.
- Symptoms include feeling empty or sad after success and a strong urge to set new targets right away.
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