It has been suggested that this article be merged into Emotional exhaustion. (Discuss) Proposed since August 2024. |
An emotional hangover refers to the lingering emotional effects that can occur after experiencing a highly emotional event or situation due to cognitive dissonance and emotional processing. Emotion can induce physiological brain changes that persist.[1][2]
Emotional hangovers reflect a prolonged state of emotional exhaustion and distress that follows an intense emotional experience, such as a traumatic event or a stressful conversation, that may last for hours or days. They can also arise following intense emotional experiences such as a moving movie or a large financial purchase.[3] These feeling may include exhaustion, sadness, anxiety, or even numbness, and can last for hours or even days after the event has passed.
Though the underlying mechanics are unclear, an emotional hangover is thought to be due to the body's response to stress, as well as the cognitive effort required to process and reconcile the emotional experience with one's existing beliefs and values. This can lead to feelings of overwhelm, confusion, and even physical symptoms such as fatigue or headaches.[4][5]
Emotional hangovers highlight the nexus between cognitive and emotional processes.