Winter is coming: Protect yourself from Showhole Depression of the Century (no spoilers)

• As the Game of Thrones series nears its conclusion, fans are at risk of suffering from showhole depression.
• When you suffer from showhole depression, you experience harmful symptoms like general unhappiness and feelings of hopelessness when a favorite show ends.
• While this might sound ridiculous to some, the reality is that the characters often start to feel like family—you grieve this loss, as well as the positive feelings the show created.
• Fortunately, you can take proactive steps now to protect yourself from this showhole; first, you should start another show and quick, so you’re prepared when the series ends.
• Also, make a point to connect with real people—your loved ones and other Game of Thrones fans whom you can bond with even when the show is over.
• Finally, invest your time in another enjoyable activity—one you miss or have always wanted to try—and at the end of the day, remember that it’s just a show.

After a nearly two-year break, the final season of Game of Thrones is upon us. And while many are currently overwhelmed with joy and excitement, the potential for depression and despair later—when the series concludes—is high. Protect yourself from the showhole of the century by taking action now to prevent your mood from plummeting.

What Is “Showhole Depression”?

We all have at least one TV show we just can’t get enough of. The one we stay up a little too late to watch—whether it’s a new episode airing on TV or an entire season launching on Netflix (which we’ll definitely binge-watch). We’re completely captivated by what unfolds on screen: laughing, crying, gasping on cue. And along the way, we develop close relationships with the characters. We invest ourselves in their stories, and they often become important people in our lives.

Which is why it can be extremely depressing when the show reaches its conclusion: a phenomenon deemed “showhole depression.” This is a problem that’s in the near future for Game of Thrones fans, perhaps the largest and most dedicated fanbase of all time. With showhole depression, you experience a bout of depression symptoms when your beloved show comes to an end. These symptoms can include:

• General unhappiness
• Hopelessness
• Loss of appetite
• Social isolation
• Feelings of grief and loss

This might sound ridiculous to some, but the truth is that the conclusion of one’s favorite TV show can be incredibly difficult to cope with. As we mentioned above, we start to identify and bond with the characters. And over time, the characters start to feel like family. So, when the show reaches its inevitable end, we grieve the loss of these characters, as well as the positive feelings we experienced over the course of the show.

Take Cover Now: 5 Tips for Shielding Yourself from the Showhole

Don’t worry, you aren’t without hope. You can take action now and shield yourself from showhole depression when the final episode of Game of Thrones concludes. Here are 5 helpful tips:

1. Start another show now.

Don’t wait for Game of Thrones to end before you search for your next TV obsession. Do it now, so that you’re prepared for when the final episode airs. Starting another show is a quick fix, as it will restore the positive feelings you experience when you turn your attention to the TV screen. You can ensure you like this new show by picking one with some of the same actors or producers—if they captivate you in Game of Thrones, odds are you’ll enjoy another show of theirs.

2. Connect with others.

There’s nothing wrong with feeling connected to or invested in your favorite characters. But it is important to remember that while they may feel like friends or family, they aren’t—they’re made up. Now’s the time to remember all of the people that really matter: your best friends who have been by your side since college; your parents who would kill for a phone call right now; your favorite neighbor who keeps asking you to dinner. Invest your energy into these relationships—when Game of Thrones ends, it won’t be so gut-wrenching.

3. Join a Game of Thrones club.

Find others who enjoy Game of Thrones just as much as you do. You can talk about your favorite episodes, seasons, and characters now and when the show concludes; you can even have binge-watching marathons, or better yet, start a tradition of watching an old episode together each week. If none of your close friends share your love for Game of Thrones that’s okay—you can easily find some devoted fans of the show by asking around or checking out online groups and communities in your area.

4. Pick up a new hobby.

You probably put other things on the backburner to watch Game of Thrones. But soon enough, you’ll have some free time to devote to another activity. Think about what you enjoy doing or have always wanted to try and do that: start rock-climbing, join a rec league, learn to play a new instrument. You can start slow and small—the idea is to have this activity ready for when Game of Thrones is over.

5. Remind yourself it’s just a show.

When you watch Game of Thrones, it probably feels like the characters and their endeavors are real—but again, they aren’t real. Remind yourself that while this show might bring you enjoyment when you tune in each week (or binge-watch episodes in rapid succession), it’s just a show. And there’s so much out there deserving of your time, love, and attention.

Watching Game of Thrones is exciting and fulfilling now, but when the series ends, you might feel sad and lonely. That’s why it’s important you take preemptive action to protect yourself from this showhole depression. So, start now and remember these tips when the final episode airs.

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