Post-Project Blues

We've all had that feeling after completing a big milestone - a sense of loss, sadness, and even depression. As project managers, we invest so much of ourselves in completing our projects that when it's over, it's not uncommon for post-project blues to settle in. Our days that were filled with planning, execution, and team collaboration are once again free of the multitude of meetings and interactions that consumed every minute of every day. We're often told to leave our feelings at the door when we enter the workplace, but post-project blues is a very real feeling that may be remedied best through interaction with colleagues to plan for "what's next."

In our everyday lives, the most known manifestation of this feeling is postpartum depression. According to Mayo Clinic, "the birth of a baby can trigger a jumble of powerful emotions, from excitement and joy to fear and anxiety. But it can also result in something you might not expect — depression" (Mayo Clinic, n.d.). Most new moms experience postpartum "baby blues" after childbirth, which commonly include mood swings, crying spells, anxiety and difficulty sleeping. Baby blues typically begin within the first two to three days after delivery, and may last for up to two weeks. But some new moms experience a more severe, long-lasting form of depression known as postpartum depression.

In this week's podcast, Christina and I discuss this very real topic of Post-Project Blues and give our thoughts on knowing how to identify when you are going through this depression type and coping mechanisms we have used to manage it. Have you ever experienced post-project blues? If so, what are some tips and techniques you utilized to manage your feelings? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below!

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Ann Campea, MSPM, MPH, PMP | Worldwide Readiness Program Manager, Apple, Inc. | Program/Project management professional with 10 years of experience in product development, physical retail launches, health care, and tech industries.

Christina Olivarria, MSPM, PMP, HACP, LBBP | Project Manager/Communications Manager, Yellow Brick Consulting, Inc. | A well-organized, task-orientated project manager, who takes initiative in delivering the highest quality services to both peers and clients alike.