WHAT IS A “SUB DROP”? AND HOW TO DEAL WITH IT?

Have you ever experienced a feeling of melancholy and depression after BDSM play? Herein is everything you need to know about sub drop, including the causes and how to deal with it.

You feel amazing when you’re in the middle of an intense BDSM session. You don’t want it to end, and that feeling lingers even after the session ends. We all enjoy that sensation, but what happens when it begins to fade? What if you feel melancholy, blue, depressed, and unsettled instead of good or normal? These emotions are referred to as sub drop. They are a body’s reaction to a reduction in endorphins following a play session. These intense emotions could leave the sub depressed if they are not properly cared for. Read below to know more about sub drop and how to deal with it.

Defining a Sub Drop

To comprehend sub drop, you must first comprehend what comes before it: subspace. According to Pitagora (2017), subspace is a state of consciousness that a submissive can enter while in the middle of a session. You may feel separated from your body and unable to feel the full intensity of pain when you’re in subspace. A feeling of floating or flying has been described by some submissives, which is equal to an out-of-body experience. Your thoughts may be jumbled, which may affect speech. Subspace gives birth to sub drop, accompanied by tiredness and mostly sudden fatigue that pops out. Sub drop is caused by the same hormones that cause the unique experience known as subspace. Since the play has ended, and your body has stopped releasing the chemical cocktail that made you immune or insensitive to pain and sensation during subspace, these symptoms appear suddenly. If the play abruptly ceases, a sub drop can occur. 

The hormones produced during a play session include:

Endorphins

These hormones are often associated with exercise since activity increases endorphins. They can cause feelings of euphoria and reduce pain perception, even during surgery. 

Enkephalins

Shenoy & Lui (2021) suggested that enkephalins are part of endogenous opioids stored in the peripheral and central nervous systems to relieve pain. These peptides are dissolved after pain has been decreased.

Epinephrin

Also called adrenaline, it is produced when the body detects stress. The body can’t distinguish between a lashing and a bear assault, producing adrenaline to prepare. Many people link adrenalin with pain relief, yet adrenalin may amplify the experience of particular pain while also accompanying other stresses or frantic activity that overwhelms the pain.

Dopamine

This is a hormone linked to pleasure. It is released when your body is anticipating something, in this case, flogging during play. It may also be released when you are in pain. This could explain why some people appreciate sensual pain while others do not.

These hormones are effective in promoting happiness and reducing pain. Endorphins have been equated to opiates. Enkephalins also have a comparable effect on the human body. Although further research is needed, some scholars believe that oxytocin has a role in BDSM settings. According to Magon & Kalra (2011), oxytocin is also released during orgasm. It brings you closer to your sexual partner and has a bonding effect comparable to mother and child.

How To Deal With Sub drop

You need to invest in an aftercare kit. Aftercare in the BDSM world refers to the activities and care given by the dominant to the subordinate after a session. Although not uncommon, tops can also be given aftercare. It is focused on mental and physical well-being. A snack and a replenishing drink packed with electrolytes can help get you back in shape.

Calming activities are the greatest form of aftercare for certain people. Cuddling is also a typical type of aftercare that allows your body and mind to recover and ensures that no one is left lonely after a stressful event. For some people, coloring can be used as a form of aftercare. When you’re experiencing sub drop, napping is a common strategy to help your body recuperate and return to its regular state. A soothing bath may also help you return to reality. Many of these types of aftercare are easier to deliver in a private setting than in a public setting. If you’re planning a public scene, look for places where you can get some privacy later for aftercare. Alternatively, carry a few products to cover the basics until you can do it properly.

Aftercare can range from a few minutes to several hours. Sub drop lasts a few hours on average, although there are always variations. Keep track of your emotions in the days and weeks following the play. The sub drop may have lasting effects. However, this is fairly uncommon, so don’t be too concerned. The most crucial thing about sub drop is that both the submissive and the dominant are involved. Whether you’re in the same room or separate countries, the only way to get through it is to connect, so you can all be experiencing the same feelings simultaneously.

The Bottom Line

Sub drop is a tough experience, but it allows you to learn about your feelings and emotions on the bright side. If you’re sad, do something that makes you joyful. Do you get a feeling of being ill or being physically exhausted? Get some sleep, take your vitamins, and look after yourself. Are you feeling lonely? Then schedule a catch-up date with friends. You can learn to live with a sub-drop with a little planning and awareness. Take note of the methods outlined above before allowing your emotions to spin out of control, and see if you can recapture your mood.

References

Magon, N., & Kalra, S. (2011). The orgasmic history of oxytocin: Love, lust, and labor. Indian journal of endocrinology and metabolism, 15(Suppl3), S156.

Pitagora, D. (2017). No pain, no Gain? Therapeutic and Relational Benefits of Subspace in BDSM contexts. Journal of Positive Sexuality, 3(3), 44-54.

Shenoy, S. S., & Lui, F. (2021). Biochemistry, Endogenous Opioids. StatPearls [Internet].