Quote Originally Posted by cadence View Post
While I am not disputing that what ShyGreenEyedGrl and crazy_grrluk have felt is sub drop.
But wouldn't those feelings be a natural occurence when having to be apart from your significant other?
I am curious to have someone explain it to me so I can understand that better.

I am somewhat confused about sub drop in general. I do get those low feelings maybe two or three days later.
I have been told that sub drop is not possible in an online environment so I chalk up those feelings to being ill prepared to maintain a proper mindset.

I love humiliation, but I also have a hard time grasping the notion that it isn't bad to be treated badly.
Seeing that to me humiliation is a big rush, and I enjoy it immensely, I would have to assume that my low points are my insecurites coming through.
I try to combat the negative through exercise, practicing music, eating right, and getting enough sleep. Not that I am successful at doing those things all of the time.

So I can't distinguish whether or not I am feeling sub drop or just some conflict within myself.



Technically (and traditionally) speaking, subdrop refers specifically to a response that occurs at the end of, or immediately after, a scene.

If you wanna get really technical and specific: BDSM practices cause endorphin, oxytocin, and dopamine release in the body, which is why some of the most awful things can feel amazingly good. Those chemicals produce a rush or high.

They can be very addictive.

Unfortunately, prolactin and cortisol levels can also be significantly elevated, along with low blood glucose and dehydration after a physical scene, which can make you feel like crap.

It takes much longer for hormone levels to balance once they're dancing around in your bloodstream, which is why a few minutes of cuddling afterward isn't really going to take care of it (although it does promote continued oxytocin release).

i've heard the arguments that subdrop isn't possible online, or isn't possible outside of the context of heavy pain scening, but frankly, i don't buy it. If online play, or merely being in the presence of your Master, can cause those happy chemicals to flow for you, then you face the possibility of subdrop.


At the more emotional end of things, you're likely to be wanting nothing more than to crawl into bed for a week. After a good sleep it's a better idea to make contact with friends, even by phone or...um...internet :). Meditation and self-hypnosis can be good proactive ways to support yourself, as can journaling.

It seems natural that this sort of play would bring up fears and insecurities. You deserve a compassionate listener to share them with, whether that's your Dom, a playmate, or a friend. Just remember: nothing is "wrong," and you're not alone.