Author’s Note: This post is not meant to be taken seriously and I wrote it for my pure own amusement. It’s not meant to poke fun at those with actual mental illness’ as that is a serious topic. This is meant for Potterheads to enjoy!
A chronic mental illness has befallen upon a large audience of people. It has caused many to be uncertain of what lies ahead in the future, and many weep because of it. What is known as Post Potter Depression (PPD) has severely hit Potterheads worldwide, since the release of the final film installment, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2.
Although the final Harry Potter novel was released just a little over four years ago in 2007, the fandom still had the movies to look forward to, to ease the missing piece of them. Even though Potterheads knew the exact plot, at least they would have the chance to critique the remaining films and attempt to enjoy the movies.
However, it’s been three weeks and two days since the final movie and fans are still heartbroken. Many dedicated Potterheads went to the midnight viewing, and have since already watched the newest movie more than once.
One of the most visible symptoms of PPD is denial: Potterheads refuse to believe that series is truly over, and will dwell upon good times with the Golden Trio.
If you know someone who is suffering from PPD, or you’re one of the unlucky victims, be sure to try some of these remedies:
- Reread the books. Take time to read the entire series from start to finish again. Except you don’t need to whizz through them as you would on the first day of opening the book. Enjoy the words of J.K. Rowling.
- Movie Marathon with fellow Potterheads. There is approximately 19 hours and 20 minutes worth of Harry Potter screen time to be viewed. Set aside a rainy weekend to hangout with friends who also love Harry Potter and relish through the films. Expand the screen time by pausing and analyzing what was done right and wrong through certain scenes.
- Pottermore. If you’re not one of the lucky million who had the chance to register early for Pottermore, never fear! Registration is open to all in October!
- Watch Parodies. YouTube is a great place to view Harry Potter parodies or videos regarding Harry Potter. You can also view all of A Very Potter Musical and A Very Potter Sequel (starring Darren Criss!) on YouTube.
- Tumblr. Tumblr is filled with Potterheads. Find some to follow and endlessly scroll through your dash to relive some great Harry Potter experiences.
- Rowling’s Other Books. If you haven’t already read Quidditch Through the Ages, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them or The Tales of Beadle and the Bard, I suggest you do so immediately. You’ll feel like you’re part of the magical world for a moment. Also be on the lookout for Rowling’s Harry Potter Encyclopaedia (whenever she decides to publish it).
- Harry Potter Parties. Make a themed party amongst friends. Have everyone sorted in the different houses and host your own Quidditch cup! Speaking of Quidditch…
- Join Your University Quidditch Team! Many universities now have their very own competitive and recreational Quidditch teams! If your school doesn’t have one, try and start it up! There’s even a world cup!
- Get a Potter Themed Tattoo. For some of the more die-hard Potter fans, why not get some ink of your favourite Dumbledore quote or the Deathly Hallows symbol?
Make your own Butterbeer! I have yet to try it but it is certainly on my list of things to do and there are tons of recipes out there! :) (Oh and if you can, visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter- you’ll never want to leave!)
Read Potter fan fiction!
I’m all for reading other books, as much as I enjoyed the Harry Potter books (I gave the series as a whole an 8/10) I’m still all for reading other books. If you want another huge and immersive series I’d suggest Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series (the first book is The Eye of the World and the 14th and final book should be out early next year). If you want a slightly shorter series I’m a big fan of Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn trilogy.
As much as everyone loved the Harry Potter books, there are other books out there, don’t be afraid to read a new series, it’ll be ok, I promise.
Or you can always just read the Potter books again.
I am suffering from PPD. Although I feel worse because I joined the fandom in December 2011 during the entire hype of books and films!! CRYING!!!!!!!!! I HATE THAT I USED TO HATE HARRY POTTER. WHY DID DISNEY RUIN IT FOR ME!?!
And I didn’t want to read other books until now. Finished the series slowly to savor the moments. Finished in may. I remember flipping the remaining pages after the last line of HP to find more. I was so sad. Though I didn’t cry. Finished it in an all-nighter. I was trying to do that with previous HP books but never could until that night.