Tulane Students Grapple with Post-Mardi Gras Blues

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After the exuberance of Mardi Gras, some Tulane University students report feeling a sense of post-holiday depression or the "post-Mardi Gras blues." However, experts suggest this emotional drop-off is a natural and necessary part of the cycle, as the brain resets after a period of intense stimulation and indulgence.

Why it matters

Mardi Gras is a defining part of the New Orleans experience for many Tulane students, but the transition back to normal life can be jarring. Understanding the psychological and neurochemical reasons behind the post-Mardi Gras slump can help students better manage the emotional ups and downs.

The details

The Mardi Gras holiday has historical roots in medieval Europe as a Catholic celebration marking the last day before Lent, a 40-day period of fasting and reflection. For Tulane students, the week-long party of Mardi Gras is followed by a return to classes, exams, and a quieter New Orleans, leading some to experience a mood drop or "post-Mardi Gras blues." This may be due to the brain's neurochemical response, as levels of dopamine and serotonin, linked to mood, can severely drop after a period of heavy drinking and high social engagement.

• Mardi Gras is celebrated annually in New Orleans, with the main festivities occurring on Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday.
• Midterm exams at Tulane University typically ramp up after the Mardi Gras break.

What they’re saying

What’s next

As the post-Mardi Gras blues subside, Tulane students can look forward to the arrival of Spring and the city's vibrant Jazz Fest in April, providing a chance to reset and reengage with the New Orleans community.