Why Are Therapists So Busy After Stampede?
In Calgary, the Calgary Stampede is more than just an event — it’s a cultural moment. For 10 days every July, the city comes alive with parties, pancake breakfasts, concerts, late nights, and endless social events.
It’s a time of connection, fun, and letting loose.
But when the dust settles, many people find themselves struggling emotionally — and wondering why they don’t feel “back to normal.”
At our practice, we notice it every year: the weeks following Stampede are some of the busiest on our therapy calendars. If you’re feeling low, anxious, or burnt out after Stampede, you’re not alone — and here’s why.
The Emotional Hangover After Stampede
1. Alcohol and the nervous system
For many, Stampede involves much more drinking than usual. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, and even though it can feel fun in the moment, it takes a toll on your brain and body. After a stretch of heavy drinking, people often experience:
Depressed mood
Increased anxiety
Poor sleep
Irritability
Fatigue
It can take days (or even a couple of weeks) for your body and mind to fully recover.
2. Social burnout
Even if you enjoy being around people, Stampede is a very high-stimulation environment — big crowds, loud music, late nights, and lots of small talk. Many people don’t realize how much energy they’re spending until it’s over and they feel emotionally drained.
3. Regret and relationship tension
The party atmosphere sometimes leads to choices people regret: overindulging, overspending, saying or doing things they didn’t mean, or crossing personal or relational boundaries. When the party ends, those feelings can bubble up as shame, guilt, or conflict with others.
4. Deeper issues resurface
For some, the high energy of Stampede masks underlying stress, loneliness, or relationship struggles. When things quiet down, those feelings come back into focus — sometimes more strongly than before.
Why People Come to Therapy After Stampede
We often hear clients describe:
- Feeling low or irritable, sometimes without knowing why
- Heightened anxiety or a sense of restlessness
- Exhaustion or burnout
- Feeling disconnected from themselves or others
- Relationship tension
- Shame or regret over choices they made
- A sense of “what now?” after the excitement wears off
Therapy provides a safe, non-judgmental space to explore what you’re feeling, understand what’s happening in your mind and body, and start moving forward again.
You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone
If you’re struggling to get back on track after Stampede, it doesn’t mean you did anything wrong. It just means your nervous system and your emotions need care.
✨ Be gentle with yourself.
✨ Give yourself time to rest and recover.
✨ If you’d like support making sense of what you’re feeling, we’re here to help.
Book a session with one of our therapists and take the next step toward feeling like yourself again.
Your mental health matters — even after the party ends.