Post-book depression is a thing

So. I'm sure this is quite a common feeling. 

You've just finished a book that absolutely destroyed your sense of the self, sleep schedule, emotional stability, left you feeling empty and lost, and now...

You cannot let go of it. 

Because it was THAT amazing. 

Masochistic? For sure. Ready to face and fix it? Nuh-uh. 

Look, I'm one to get involved with the story if it's my cup of tea, gonna jam with whatever you throw at me after the first book if I've already made it that far (because honestly, at this point, reading a whole series or even a duology is true love for me, my energy is very limited). Sudden death? Conflict? Characters from only God knows where who are there for the sole reason of causing trouble? Bring it on! But. 

But. 

What do you mean it's over? 

Haha, no. Stop joking. What will I do with my life now. 

(Enter: fanfics. But that's another topic)

I'm being honest here: I've missed at least two or three (or way more) due dates for assignments and projects because I was (and am, evidently, sadly) too attached to a story to just leave it for a few hours. Bedtime? Never heard of it, I'll read one more chapter and then-Oh my God, is that sunlight? 

And the main problem is, I do not know when to stop because picky reader that I am, when I catch sights of a book that I like, I just know I'm doomed for the next week. That's it. Made it past the 80 pages mark and signed my own ticket to sad screwedy land when it's over. 

Doesn't happen with every book that I like, though. See, there are levels. Allow me to explain in brief; 

Level 1 - "Hey, that was nice. Might read more from this author!"

Level 2 - "Oh wow, that was amazing, will read more from this author"

Level 3 - "OOF. Oof. Will take a while to recover from that one, yeah"

Level 4 - " MY GOD????? [new temporary personality trait acquired]"

And the one I finished like three days ago? After going through every fanfic, author post, extra content and artwork available on the internet and off of it??? 

Baby I'm 🫶💋depressed💋🫶

That was a solid Level 5. 

And I LOVED IT. 

Still, post-book depression is a real thing for folks like me (read: hardcore hobby enjoyers), and I can't say in all truth that I absolutely hate it.