Once in a while, anime viewers and otakus will come across a show thatjust resonates with them.Be it the story, the characters, the subject matter, or whatever it is, they’re simply hooked. To be enamored and feel connected to a show doesn’t happen frequently and it’s moments like these that need to be celebrated and savored. However, like everything out there, all things must come to an end. Once that final episode rolls through, viewers may be left contemplating the dreaded existential question of ‘what’s next?’.
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Then comes the post-anime depression syndrome (PADS). Though this may not affect all viewers, fans of anime can relate to experiencing PADSafter finishing an anime.According to the urban dictionary, PADS translates to a feeling of depression after finishing an anime series. Common symptoms may include a profound sadness or emptiness, a lack of motivation to do anything and being unsure of what to do next.
Causes on the other hand may be due to feeling a strong attachment to the characters and plot of the anime or experiencing a lackluster ending. Though there may be a great heaviness experienced by the viewer, there are several ways to overcome and recover from PADS.
5Investigate The Series Further
Upon finishing the series, viewers may search up the anime to identify any direct sequels or spin-offs. Though chances might be slim, viewers may be surprised that this does occasionally happen. Alternatively, viewerscan try reading the mangaof the same series. As both mediums may differ slightly or greatly depending on the series, viewers may discover more characterizations or even story arcs that differ from the anime just by checking out the manga.
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There are also online forums that may discuss the series and allow fellow fans of the animeto bond over their lovefor the show. Sometimes, solace is best found in the comfort of an anime community. Additionally, viewers can look up the creator or animation studio and find out what other works they’ve done. Though it may not be the same, viewers can find and jump to an alternative show to lessen the pain of their PADS.
4Write About It
Another useful way to get oneself out from PADS is to write down thoughts and emotions on a piece of paper (for some this can mean typing it out). This not only clarifies thoughts but allows for private self-expression and helps viewers ‘air’ their emotions out.
This can include noting down emotions, writing down what made the anime amazing, listing out quotes from favorite characters, envisioning fanfiction, and drafting a letter to the creators of the show expressing thanks. Depending on the viewer, some ideas will work better than others. Alternatively, viewers can also read what others have said about the anime online as others may be able to express their words more succinctly than the viewer (or if they’re just too lazy to write).
3‘Play It’
This point covers multiple areas. ‘Playing’ the anime can apply to viewers listening to the soundtrack. As music and sound may sometimes not be the primary focus of the viewer when watching the anime, viewers cannow appreciate the OSTs,themes, and ambient sounds that were featured. For viewers who are also musicians, they can attempt to recreate the sounds with a particular instrument or sing along to the soundtrack.
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Some anime series may be based on video games or have video games associated with the franchise. Examples include dating sims (likeClannad) or popular shows likeNarutowhich hasspawned multiple games.
2Create A Mood Board Or Database
Some viewers have described collecting and downloading photos from the web via Google, Tumblr, Twitter, Deviantart, etc. can lessen the effect of the PADS. For various reasons, this method can surprisingly work as viewers who like this method share that the elements of the anime and series are safely stored within their phones or computers.
Alternatively, diehard fans can look up merchandise of the anime and see if that stokes the flames of their pain. However, getting too hooked on anime merchandise can be a slippery slope to a cycle of paying for overly expensive products, so be careful.
1Rewatch The Show
If nothing appears to work, viewers can rewatch the anime depending on the available time on their hands and the length of the series as something likeNarutocould take up a significant portion of energy and time. The benefit of this is that viewers may have missed certain nuances of the show and its characters andby rewatching the anime,can have a deeper understanding and appreciation of the series.
PADS may lessen throughout rewatching as well since time heals everything (well, most). It’s even possible for viewers to have spent so much time watching the show that they may decide to take a break or even get sick of the series.
