"Crashing"

[lin_transman]

A lot of people talk about crashing after a scene or event. Casey asked me how my head was yesterday, but I had no clue what she meant. She asked if I ever crash after an event. As I thought about that while mowing the lawn this morning, I realized I don't even really know what that means. I suspect it might be different for different people,

Comments

[essaying]

For me it manifests as feeling tired, often achy, almost always weepy. Somewhere between depression and a hangover.

[lin_transman]

Yuck! that doesn't sound like a fun way to end a great experience.

[essaying]

Just makes it all the more important to be sure the experience is worth its aftermath ;)

[dr_moni]

When I crash, I'm tired, irritable, feel very young, want to hibernate, eat comfort food and cry a bit. All "adult" type activities such as work, taking care of the house and yard, just feel too much.

I like the description of it being between depression and a hangover. That describes it perfectly.

[lin_transman]

Thanks. The young--adult spectrum helps me understand parts I didn't get before.

[umhal]

For me, I get an upset stomach, feel sleepy, sad, and just down. I can cry at the drop of a hat and take EVERYTHING personal. PMS X3

[lin_transman]

PMS X3! I'd sure want to give you plenty of space to work though what you're feeling then! Thanks for the input. I didn't know it was so severe an experience for folks.

Crashing

[buz1]

I've been in the BDSM scene for many years (mainly playing in women's/trans and gay leather-men space). I've never heard the concept of crashing until recently. I understand where people are coming from when they use the term, but don't think I've ever experienced it myself.

Re: Crashing

[lin_transman]

From the descriptions thus far, I grateful that I don't seem to have that particular experience. I find it interesting to see how differently it manifests for various people. Seeking to understand may help me to be more supportive of those who do experience it.

Re: Crashing

[essaying]

There are actually some physical things going on -- Jay coined the term "post-whipping flu" to describe it. Has to do with red blood cells being broken up by impact or other stressors (electricity's particularly good at this), which then floods the body with toxins. It's important to drink tons of water and to take vitamin supplements if you're heavily bruised or have been playing with shocky stuff. I described it once (after doing a hook pull) as "feeling like I've been hit by a very large soft truck."

The flip side of crashing is what he used to call "defragging my brain." The day after heavy bottoming is often a peak creative time for me; I can solve stubborn problems and put together complex ideas in ways that I otherwise can't.

Re: Crashing

[lin_transman]

That sounds like the body's way of saying you need to take a bit of downtime and do things to facilitate it's natural methods of healing itself. I can relate to the creative aspects you mention. I find that bottoming allows me to release a lot of emotion that has been under the surface. Without that interference, things seem much more clear to me.

[deafdyke]

It's a slight endorphin drop for me. Yes, it happens to Tops, too. But usually I feel satisfied and am anxiously checking my calendar for the next opportunity :)

[lin_transman]

I feel tired after an event. I just figure that's from the rush to get everything ready, packing, driving for hours, being active all weekend, not sleeping well, getting home late, and having to unpack everything. If I can get a good solid night of sleep, then everything's fine.

It was rumored that you might show up on Saturday. I was looking for you...