Yesterday, I came home from a huge event. It was designed with neurodivergent people in mind with plenty of considerations for inclusion, accessibility, and making sure everyone had their needs met.
But even with that, after any big event, there’s always the crash.
And if you’re neurodivergent, you might know exactly what I mean.
The Crash After the High
After something big, whether it’s a work event, a dog show, a seminar, or even hitting a personal goal there’s often a high.
The buzz, the excitement, the energy. And then… it fades. Your body recalibrates, and suddenly, exhaustion, self-doubt, or even a sense of sadness kicks in.
For me, I’ve experienced this before.
When both of my dogs reached Grade 7 in agility, my ultimate goal I felt amazing. And then the what now hit me!
That same feeling hit me after this weekend.
The event was incredible, I met amazing people, and I had some brilliant conversations, but I also knew that the emotional rollercoaster wasn’t over yet.
There’s actually a biological reason for this.
After a period of high excitement and engagement, your brain chemistry shifts.
The dopamine and adrenaline that kept you going through the event start to drop, and that can lead to feelings of exhaustion, sadness, or even a mild depressive state.
It’s completely normal, but when you’re neurodivergent, there’s an added layer to it.
RSD Kicking In
This is where Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD) can sneak in. It’s something many neurodivergent people experience, and it can turn an otherwise normal post-event slump into a spiral of self-doubt. Thoughts like:
❓ Did I make an idiot of myself?
📸 Why am I not in many photos?
😬 What if I talked too much?
Even though I know I had great conversations and connected with amazing people, my brain immediately goes into overdrive, picking apart every interaction.
It’s frustrating, but I’ve learned that this is just my brain trying to keep me safe, trying to keep me from stepping too far out of my comfort zone.
🧠 But the thing is, growth only happens when we step outside our comfort zones. And while the crash can be uncomfortable, it’s a sign that I did something meaningful!
The Guilt of Leaving the Dogs
And then there’s the dog mum guilt.
I knew my dogs were safe with my husband. I knew they were fine. But still, I felt bad leaving them.
I worried about them, even though they were probably having the time of their lives. But at the same time, I needed the break. I needed space to focus on myself, to experience something without constantly being ‘on duty’ for my dogs.
And you know what? Now that I’m back, I feel recharged. I’m ready for the chaos they’ll throw at me, and I’m reminded that sometimes, taking a step back from the things we love most allows us to show up even better for them.
If you’ve ever felt this kind of guilt, you’re not alone.
And if you’re a dog business owner, this might be something you experience a lot, balancing your passion for dogs with the need to take care of yourself.
How I Prepare for the Crash
Since I know this post-event dip is coming, I prepare for it:
✔ Planned Rest – I give myself permission to take it easy. No big plans, no forcing productivity the day after.
✔ Reframing Thoughts – Not being in many photos doesn’t mean I wasn’t valued. Overthinking one conversation doesn’t mean I embarrassed myself.
✔ Sensory Recovery – Low stimulation, comfort food, quiet time, and being around my dogs.
✔ Connecting with My Community – Talking to people who get it makes all the difference.
It’s not about avoiding the crash—it’s about managing it so it doesn’t take over.
Let’s Talk About It
I’m going to be diving deeper into this throughout the week because there’s so much that comes up from just a two-day event when you’re neurodivergent.
But I’d love to hear from you:
❓ Have you ever felt this post-event crash?
❓ How do you handle it?
💡 If this resonates with you, come join us in the free Neuro Inclusive Dog Hub on Facebook!
There are hundreds of little golden nuggets I’ve taken from this event that I know will be relatable whether you’re a dog owner, a dog business professional, or just navigating life wanting to be more neuro-inclusive.
Till next time, Katrina x
Katrina Bayliss Coaching 