The 2024 Dragon Con Report Episode 12

Wrapping Up Season 13: An Episode You Won’t Want to Miss As we close the curtain on Season 13 and prepare for an exciting 2025, it’s time to share our final episode of the year. And trust us—this one could be the most helpful episode yet! For many of us, Dragon Con is a highlight of the year. The energy, creativity, and camaraderie make it an unforgettable experience. However, when the weekend ends, it’s common to feel the weight of what’s often called Post-Con Blues or Post-Con Depression. That sense of loneliness, emptiness, or even longing for the next con can be tough to shake. So, how do we manage these feelings and thrive during the wait for the next Dragon Con? ** What Is Post-Con Depression?** First, let’s unpack the phenomenon. During Dragon Con, you’re immersed in a world of excitement, creativity, and connection. Once it’s over, returning to daily life can feel anticlimactic. This emotional shift, often described as a “con hangover,” is natural but challenging. Recognizing these feelings is the first step toward overcoming them. Fortunately, there are ways to navigate the post-con letdown and maintain that con magic throughout the year. Expert Guests to the Rescue In this special episode, we’re bringing in two extraordinary guests to guide us through this journey: Tyra Burton: A professor, podcaster, and social media expert, Tyra will share her wisdom on staying connected with the fandom community and keeping the spirit of Dragon Con alive year-round. Amy Mikulski: As a licensed mental health and social work professional, Amy offers invaluable advice on managing emotions, practicing self-care, and building resilience between cons. Their unique perspectives will help us find practical solutions for the post-con blues and inspire us to embrace the time between conventions. How to Navigate the Post-Con Blues Now that we know what we’re up against, let’s explore some strategies for overcoming these feelings: Stay Connected: Keep in touch with the friends you made at Dragon Con through social media or meetups. Regular engagement can help bridge the gap until the next event. Focus on Self-Care: Make time for rest, relaxation, and hobbies that bring you joy. A healthy mind and body can ease the transition back to everyday life. Plan for Next Year: Use the energy from Dragon Con to start preparing for next year. Whether it’s designing a new cosplay or setting goals for panels to attend, having something to look forward to can be uplifting. Why You Should Tune In This episode is more than just a conversation—it’s a toolkit for handling the emotional rollercoaster of post-con life. With Tyra and Amy’s expertise, you’ll gain insights into how to: Reframe the post-con experience positively. Build a support network within the fandom community. Embrace healthy coping mechanisms for emotional well-being. By taking these steps, we can keep the Dragon Con spirit alive and look forward to the next adventure without losing our spark. Join Us for the Finale of Season 13 Don’t let post-con blues get the better of you! Tune in to this heartfelt discussion with Tyra Burton and Amy Mikulski, and discover ways to carry the magic of Dragon Con throughout the year. The Dragon Con Report is a part of the ESO Podcast Network, Producer Jen “Lil’ Bit” Schleusner, Executive Producer Mike Faber. A 'Mental Health First Aid Kit' is a collection of activities, practices, skills, and items that help bring comfort, regulation, and support when we need it most. They can be very helpful when we're feeling down and can help us increase and vary the ways we care for ourselves. Create a list of 3-4 items per category on the list below to create your own Mental Health First Aid Kit (examples for each category included below, these are just examples- you can personalize the list to include own!) THINGS THAT HELP ME FEEL SAFE - a blanket - deep breaths - time alone in my room THINGS THAT HELP ME CARE FOR MYSELF - washing my face - a yummy snack (like bananas and peanut butter or cheese and crackers) - a walk in the woods THINGS THAT ALLOW ME TO BE CREATIVE - drawing - working on my DnD character - dancing around the house THINGS THAT ALLOW WELCOME DISTRACTIONS - Youtube - talk or text with a friend - watching an episode or two of your favorite show THINGS THAT BRING FEELINGS OF HOPE - working on my cosplay for next Dragon Con - laughing - remembering "There's some good in the world, Mr. Frodo, and it's worth fighting for."- Samwise Gamgee ​ We want to hear from you! Feedback is always welcome. Please write to us at [e-mail] and subscribe and rate the show wherever fine podcasts are found, such as Apple Podcast, Google Play, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, and our new YouTube Channel. Links: ​ Mental health resources: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us) ​ https://growtherapy.com/wp/home-grw/ (https://growtherapy.com/wp/home-grw/) ​ https://www.therapyden.com/ (https://www.therapyden.com