The Post-Olympic Letdown: Why the End of the Games Can Trigger “Blue Monday”
The final events of the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics have concluded, and even as athletes and fans alike reflect on moments of triumph, a less celebrated phenomenon is emerging: the “Olympic Blue Monday.” Experts warn that many Italians may experience a sense of emptiness and sadness now that the intense excitement and shared experience of the Games are over.
Understanding the “Olympic Void”
Psychiatrist Claudio Mencacci, co-president of the Italian Society of Neuropsychopharmacology, explains that the Olympics aren’t simply a sporting event. they’re a powerful collective experience. During the Games, our brains enter a state of “high attention,” fueled by anticipation and the hope of seeing athletes succeed. This creates collective excitement and a sense of belonging.
The feeling of shared joy, exemplified by the outpouring of support for athletes like skier Federica Brignone, contributes to this emotional high. The Games disrupt daily routines, fostering a shared narrative with friends and the nation. When the competition ends, the return to “normal life” can experience unexpectedly flat.
The Psychological Impact of Victory and Defeat
The emotional rollercoaster extends beyond celebrating wins. The story of Ilia Malinin, the American figure skater, illustrates the intense pressure athletes face. His initial struggles and subsequent recovery resonated with many, highlighting the human side of competition. Malinin’s experience underscores that even at the highest level, athletes are vulnerable and experience real feelings.
Mencacci notes that the pressure experienced by athletes is significant, and not always something they are prepared for. The Games can be a period of intense emotional and psychological strain.
From High Attention to Apathy: What Happens Next?
As the excitement fades, individuals may experience a sense of emptiness, apathy, or simply nostalgia. The structured schedule and shared rituals of the Olympics disappear, leaving a void in daily life. It takes time to rediscover new interests and stimuli.
However, Mencacci offers a hopeful perspective. He suggests that the enthusiasm generated by the Games could inspire more Italians to embrace physical activity, recognizing its benefits for both body and mind. The Olympics, he describes as a “secular ceremony,” a return to a civilian and political life after a sacred rite.
The Role of Sport in Mental Wellbeing
The potential for a post-Olympic letdown highlights the importance of integrating the positive aspects of the Games into everyday life. Finding ways to maintain a sense of community, pursue physical activity, and cultivate a sense of purpose can help mitigate the feelings of emptiness.
Pro Tip
Combat the post-Olympic blues by joining a local sports club, taking up a new hobby, or simply scheduling regular social activities with friends and family.
FAQ
Q: What is “Olympic Blue Monday”?
A: It’s a feeling of sadness or emptiness experienced after the end of the Olympic Games, due to the loss of the shared excitement and disruption to daily routines.
Q: Who is most likely to experience this?
A: Anyone who was heavily invested in the Games, particularly those who altered their daily schedules to follow the events.
Q: Is there a way to prevent it?
A: Maintaining social connections, engaging in physical activity, and finding new hobbies can help.
Q: How long does it typically last?
A: The duration varies, but it usually subsides as people readjust to their normal routines.
Did you know? The concept of a post-Games letdown isn’t new. Experts have studied similar phenomena following major events for decades.
Want to learn more about the benefits of physical activity? Click here to read an article from the Mayo Clinic.
What are your thoughts on the post-Olympic experience? Share your comments below!
