It is a long time ago since I had a serious bout of post-Expedition blues. I believe the last time I suffered from it was after travelling through Yemen with a camel and my then adventure partner, Tanja Holm. This is back in 2013, 12 years ago. Well, at least up until now after the Kilimanjaro climb.
My worst experience with this experience was coming back to Sweden after one of the best years in my life, Siberia, in 2004-05. I remember I sat against a wall, a warm spring day up north in Sweden, with the sun in my face. Birds where singing, but the air was still fresh and, on the outside, it looked like life couldn´t be better. But I just felt completely empty inside, like I had gone through a huge loss in life and everything felt utterly meaningless. It was so bad, I felt like, if I die now, fine. I have experienced all that life is about, what now? It was so bad, the post-Expedition trauma, that my life fell apart completely.
What are the symptoms of the post-Expedition blues?
There´s a deep sense of emptiness. Even feelings of isolation. Fatigue and being in a low mood. Some irritation. Or much of it. Strong longing for the team or raw nature. An urge to plan the next big thing immediately.
I know that Norm, Richard and MJ are also experiencing these feelings right now. It was that kind of a trip. The recent Kilimanjaro climb. And the reasons for ending up in this rather restless situation is that one on a big or small Expedition have a clear purpose, a clear goal. It is majestic but still simple. Hard work, sleep and eat. Few decisions. And, most of all, the camaraderie. The people. Once back home, you are again the parent, the supplier, the normal identity and that life with all the musts from emails to behaving like the society wants, it is a challenge.
Luckily, I have learned throughout the years how to be better deal with it.
1. Structured debrief. Within 48 h, journal or talk through the whole story – closes the mental loop. You need people around who are genuinely interested in what you have just experienced. This isn´t easy, because most people cannot identify with this experience and therefore have little interest after hearing about it the first hour. SO find people who want to listen.
2. Keep micro adventures alive. 24 hour local trips provide nature, movement and mild adrenaline. Get out there immediately.
3. Maintain team touchpoints. Group chat or scheduled video huddle twice a month – digital oxytocin matters!
4. Set a new, modest goal. E.g., local trail race or strength benchmark – short horizon, low stakes.
5. Pre arrange home logistics. Mail sorted, meals prepped, gentle first workweek – dampens contrast shock.
6. Normalize the dip. Remind yourself: “This is my body’s hormone rebound – it will pass.” Naming it reduces worry.
Post expedition blues is simply the biological echo of what made the Expedition great. By anticipating the hormone swing and preserving small doses of challenge, nature and camaraderie, you can turn the lull into a launchpad for the next chapter instead of a hole to fall into.
See trailer from the Yemen Expedition https://vimeo.com/ondemand/manwithacamel/86367382
Read about the Siberian Expedition, https://www.mikaelstrandberg.com/…/Explorers_journal…
