After-Scene Drop

After-scene drop, also known as sub-drop or Dom-drop, is a change in emotion that can happen after a scene (sometimes a day or two afterwards but can take up to a week). Feelings of depression, being overly emotional or just generally feeling sad or low that happen after a scene are often referred to as a "drop." ### Why Does After-Scene Drop Happen? Dopamine and endorphin levels often increase during a scene. Dopamine is a chemical that helps you to feel good and endorphins help to reduce stress and pain, or improve mood. When these return to normal following a scene, this is believed to lead to after-scene drop. After-scene drop can happen even though the scene went as planned and nothing went wrong. This can also happen even though aftercare was administered. ### Tips for Dealing With After-Scene Drop If you encounter a sub-drop or Dom-drop there are a few ways to help the situation: - Communication with your Dom/sub regarding your feelings. - If you are able to connect with your partner, arrange a visit. If not, try to arrange a phone call, video chat, send voice notes or plan pre-recorded messages with reassuring phrases. - Snuggly or weighted blankets. - Stuffies or stuffed animals to hug, snuggle, and cry into. - Music - Dark chocolate/sugary snacks - Gatorade or water to keep hydrated and keep the electrolyte balance up in your body. - Have something with Dom's/sub's scent - this can be incredibly calming because it triggers those feel-good chemicals in your brain. - Dress comfortably and in your favorite clothes - things that make you feel safe and warm. - Check on your Dom/sub regularly, let them know you care, let them know you are there for them, and provide reassuring words and statements regarding the event and your relationship.