Get the first chapter of How to Dream free!

How to Deal With Feeling Depressed After Reaching a Goal

Achieving a dream is supposed to be the pinnacle of success. You worked hard, overcame obstacles, and finally reached your goal! So, why is it that when the euphoria fades, so many of us find oursevles feeling lost, sad, or even depressed? This phenomenon, known as the post-dream letdown or arrival fallacy, is actually pretty common but no one talks about it. Let’s dive in and solve the mystery of why some people feel depressed after reaching a goal and how to overcome this emotional slump.

Why Do People Feel Sad or Depressed After Reaching a Goal?

We often think that achieving a specific goal will bring us lasting happiness and contentment. We spend so much time focusing on our goals and visualizing what success will look and feel like that we sometimes set unrealistic expectations. When reality doesn’t line up with our big visions, we find ourselves feeling disappointed or and sad. But, that isn’t the only reason you might feel down after achieving a big goal.

The Emotional Rollercoaster

There are also some chemical changes going on in your brain that can lead to post achievement depression or sadness. The initial high of success comes with a big release of dopamine. This brain chemical makes us feel amped up and excited.

When the excitement of achieving the goal is over and we head back to real life, dopamine drops and we start feeling sad, like we lack energy, or even develop a sense of emptiness. This emotional contrast can be jarring and confusing. Some people even feel guilty that their post-achievement happiness is so short lived.

Fortunately, there are some concrete steps you can take to overcome the sad feelings and keep moving forward.