Why do people feel down after success?

Feeling down after success is surprisingly common and is often due to several interconnected psychological reasons:

1. Opponent Process Theory: This theory suggests that after an intense positive event, like achieving a major goal, our bodies prompt a counter-reaction to stabilize our mood, preventing mania. This process can result in a post-success dip in mood 1.

2. Self-Perception Lag: People's self-perception can lag behind their current reality. When achieving rapid success, such as through a hit movie or bestselling book, it takes time for one's self-image to catch up, causing a dissonance that can lead to decreased self-worth and peace even after success 2.

3. Burnout: The pressure to maintain success can lead to burnout. Many individuals feel an overwhelming need to continue succeeding without sufficient breaks, resulting in a sense of doom or depression 3.

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     1

     Gold Medal Syndrome

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     2

     Success and Self-Worth

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     3

     Success and Burnout

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     4

     Burdens of Success

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     5

     Success and Failure

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4. Expectation Pressure: Success often raises the bar for future achievements, creating anxiety and a fear of failure. This feeling can be intensified by public scrutiny, as any subsequent failure is more visible 4.

5. Arrival Fallacy: Also known as the "gold medal syndrome," this fallacy is the mistaken belief that achieving a significant goal will bring lasting happiness. In reality, people often return to their baseline levels of happiness, a phenomenon linked to the hedonic treadmill 5 6.

Understanding these factors can help individuals better prepare for and navigate the emotional complexities that can accompany significant accomplishments.