With Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part 1 hitting theaters on November 17, 2011, there will be another round of widespread depression amongst Twi-hards. The phenomenon, called Post-Twilight Depression, for years was a joke spread by people unfamiliar with the series of books and movies.
What Is Post-Twilight Depression?
Post-Twilight Depression, or PTD, is the phenomenon of reading one or all of the Twilight series books, or watching the films, and feeling a deep depression and emptiness in one's heart. The feeling can last from a few hours to several days. Some sufferers have equated it to separation anxiety or homesickness.
What Causes PTD?
There is no known cause that is universally agreed upon. Some speculate that it is caused by the intense relationships between the characters, and a yearning for more story. Others have stated that it's about seeing love and dating through the eyes of a young girl, and wondering why that didn't happen in one's own life. The third most common explanation is that the reader becomes lost in the world created by Stephanie Meyers, and the reality of one's own life pales in comparison to the stories.
Is There A Cure or Treatment?
Like other types of depression, the symptoms pass with time. Engagement with friends and family can help to shorten the duration. Talking with other Twi-hards can also help, as the group understands the phenomenon, and how they have dealt with it.
Even if one has read the series a few times, the depression still comes. Avoiding reading Twilight until the depression passes is recommended by the forums. Other sufferers have posted their strategies for overcoming PTD, and these have been able to help others with the depression.
Should I Avoid Twilight Entirely?
Absolutely not. The Twilight books and movies are decently done, with characters that we can all find ourselves in to some degree. The world of wonder and fantasy that is created can be just the thing to take a mental trip away from reality.
However, if you start feeling depressed upon completing one of the books or films, take a few days' break between installments. This can help reduce one's chances of developing severe Post-Twilight Depression. Know your limits and how much you can read before the sadness starts.
Will The New Movie Make Me Depressed?
There's no way to say for certain. Only you know what makes you depressed, and how easily you become sad. For most die-hard fans of the series, the new film marks a new chance to relive their favorite moments and parts from the novels. A few may become depressed watching this movie, either from it being one-half of a novel, or from their own connection to the series. It is up to you whether you see the latest Twilight film.
There is no reason to avoid reading any of the Twilight books or watching the movies. Just remember, there will be a full year between Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part 1 and Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part II. You'll have plenty of time to overcome any Post-Twilight Depression that may develop between both installments of the final Twilight series novel.
Shannon Webster - I have over a decade of experience working with government and financial companies. I enjoy politics, sociology, technology and ...
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