Why Do I Feel So Depressed After Watching Anime?

Feeling depressed after watching anime could be due to various reasons. It might be related to the themes of the anime, a connection with the characters, or personal emotions that the storyline evokes. Reflecting on what specifically triggered your emotions may help you understand and address those feelings. If it persists, consider discussing it with friends, family, or seeking support from a mental health professional.

Personal Connection and Emotional Investment

As someone who has experienced similar feelings, I find that it often stems from a deep personal connection to the anime. During the time period of watching it, the only thing on my mind is the anime and the characters. When the run concludes, and there’s nothing more to look forward to, a sense of emptiness sets in, as you have invested so much time and emotional energy into it. For example, finishing a favorite anime like Aquatope on White Sand might bring tears because the investment of time and emotional attachment is vast.

Common Emotional Responses to Anime

If your depression is due to a character's death or an emotional experience in the show, then it is completely normal. Most people experience at least minor sadness, and even a little depression over things that happen in anime. This is one of the reasons why anime is so underrated. However, the “depression” most people face when it comes to anime often results from the fandom and the emotional investment in an incredibly popular anime ending. Examples include Naruto, One Piece, and Fairy Tail. These shows leave fans imagining what if or craving for more, leading to a sense of sadness and emptiness.

Dealing with the Closure

The best thing to do in such cases is to keep watching. Most of the time, you will not grow tired of it if you were sad when it ended. Consider looking up made-up manga of these big franchise anime series. For instance, Infinite Stratos and Gunto Gakuen Final Sougen can provide a visual of what if scenarios. Listen to the music; Naruto's soundtrack still resonates with many, and it doesn’t grow old over time. When re-watching the series, pay close attention to the characters and how they made decisions. Try to relate the characters to yourself and ponder how you would act in similar tough situations.

Life Lessons from Anime

All the anime mentioned here share a common thread: they provide incredible life lessons. Relating these lessons to your life and trying to make yourself a better person can be incredibly beneficial, especially with shows like Naruto and Fairy Tail. These shows can be seen as a form of education, similar to how One Piece provides valuable insights.

Nevertheless, it’s important to ensure that anime does not control your life to the point where it is the only thing you ever want to do. Contrary to the cliché, it can help tremendously to relate these anime to your life and improve yourself, but becoming obsessed to the point where anime is your only thought process is detrimental.

Remember, the key is balance. Use anime as a tool to grow and improve yourself, but avoid letting it take over your life. It's a valuable resource for emotional support and personal growth, but it should be used in moderation and with mindfulness.