{"id":31875,"date":"2020-11-01T22:24:58","date_gmt":"2020-11-01T21:24:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lelo.com\/blog\/?p=31875"},"modified":"2021-04-07T12:55:43","modified_gmt":"2021-04-07T10:55:43","slug":"why-do-doms-experience-top-drop","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lelo.com\/blog\/why-do-doms-experience-top-drop\/","title":{"rendered":"Coming Down: Why Do Some Doms Experience Top Drop? And How Can Their Subs Support Them?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Think about a time when you experienced a huge rush of positive and exciting emotions, like riding a roller coaster or finally standing up for yourself in an argument. These experiences often create an intense whirlwind of feelings that make us feel powerful, strong and almost invincible. But those feelings don\u2019t last forever\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

\"What<\/p>\n

Just like you\u2019ll finally come back down to earth after an exhilarating ride or will have a moment to process the things you have finally been able to say, someone who identifies as a top can also experience this high high and low low. This is known as a \u201ctop drop\u201d or \u201cdom drop\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n

To be more specific,<\/span> t<\/a>op drop<\/span> is<\/span><\/i> defined as: <\/span>\u201can after-effect that may be experienced by a dominant after they have finished with their submissive. This effect is usually characterized by a feeling of guilt or depression\u201d.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

It is when a top or dominant experiences a slew of feel-good <\/span>hormones<\/span><\/a> during a scene with their bottom or submissive, but once the scene is over, there is a significant drop in mood.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

They may feel irritable, tired, melancholic, guilty or mentally and\/or physically exhausted. This change in mood may not happen immediately. In fact, it could even be experienced hours or days later and is similar to that of feeling burned out.<\/span><\/p>\n

What Causes Top Drop?<\/span><\/h2>\n

While every person is unique, here are a few reasons why a dominant may be experiencing top drop…<\/span><\/p>\n

Chemical Changes in the Body<\/span><\/h3>\n

Besides the release of feel-good hormones during a scene and a substantial drop thereafter, there are other bodily processes that could explain the occurrence of top drop.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For example: during physical activity (like <\/span>exercise<\/span><\/a> or engaging in an intense scene), our bodies gain energy by tapping into our sugar content. This could lead to a lower level of blood sugar some hours or even days after said-physical activity, which creates feelings of fatigue, weakness and irritability.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Not only that, but it was said that if one exercises late at night, they\u2019re 50% more likely to have low blood sugar levels. Of course, this isn\u2019t true for everyone, but for some, sexual activity tends to occur after dark.<\/span><\/p>\n

Vanilla Life, Society & Negative Emotions<\/span><\/h3>\n

For many in the BDSM community there is a definite divide between their everyday lives and what they enjoy behind closed doors. And when it comes to everyday life, society has a way of telling us that certain things are bad.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Being a <\/span>sadist<\/span><\/a>, for example, can appear to be abusive or violent to some, and others may go as far as to call it a mental disorder (it is none of those things). But that still leaves an impact on the sadist, one that may have found a deep connection with another human who also loves to give and receive in a <\/span>power exchange between sadism and masochism<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Despite this consensual and nurturing relationship, it can be hard to drown out the noise of what others or society may think, such as, <\/span>\u201cWhy would you want to physically hurt someone you care about?\u201d<\/span><\/i>. This can lead to a negative internal voice and a lot of doubt, anxiety and guilt, which is essentially what top drop is.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pride & Responsibility<\/span><\/h3>\n

Doms, in general, are often seen as more powerful in a dom\/sub relationship (which is not true). Still, they\u2019re the ones who are responsible for the wellbeing of their sub and have to know what and how they\u2019re going to administer everything before, during and after a scene.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

And while this could bring about a sense of pride for a dom, it could also hinder them from admitting that it may just be too big of a commitment or responsibility.<\/span><\/p>\n

At the same time, the dom may feel as though their own needs and <\/span>aftercare<\/span><\/a> experience aren\u2019t as important and that the sub requires aftercare more than the dom. They may be too proud to admit this or to talk about it, which can further enhance feelings of burnout and guilt.<\/span><\/p>\n

Triggers During a Scene<\/span><\/h3>\n

Every single <\/span>guide to BDSM<\/span><\/a> and dom\/sub relationships will tell you that trust and communication are extremely important. When there isn\u2019t <\/span>effective communication<\/span><\/a> or trust, there can be intense psychological (and physical) consequences.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For example, a top (or a bottom) experiencing a negative trigger during a scene can lead to intense emotions afterwards, similar to that of top drop. And a lot of the time, this trigger can be avoided or nurtured in a caring and loving way <\/span>if<\/span><\/i> there were better communication.<\/span><\/p>\n

So yes, this is yet another guide to BDSM stressing the importance of trust and communication.<\/span><\/p>\n

6 Ways to Help Prevent Top Drop<\/span><\/h2>\n

While there is no one-size-fits-all, one\u2019s mental and physical health is always important, no matter what the endeavour. Which is why one, a few or none of these suggestions may help.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

We highly recommend giving them a try, as they could diminish or help prevent the effects of top drop.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Have Open Communication<\/span><\/h3>\n

Again we\u2019ll stress the importance of communication. It\u2019s too easy to engage in new adventures and different kinds of play without talking about needs and wants first, but in doing so, you can prevent traumatic and hurtful experiences.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you are a dom and you feel that you\u2019re not getting enough out of self-care, communicating those needs with your sub is the best way to prevent negative emotions after a scene.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

And if you feel as though you\u2019ve got <\/span>too<\/span><\/i> much of a responsibility, or would simply like to check in with your sub to make sure that both of you are happy, that isn\u2019t any indication of a lack of power. It\u2019s putting your and your sub\u2019s needs first, and that\u2019s more important than pride or power.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Hold Unwavering Trust<\/span><\/h3>\n

To be able to fully experience and immerse yourself in the true dom\/sub relationship, it\u2019s all about having <\/span>unshakable trust.<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As a dom, you would need to know that your sub is happy, and has given <\/span>full consent<\/span><\/a> to the scene you\u2019re about to enjoy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When you are 100% certain that your sub trusts you and the relationship you two share, it can reduce feelings of guilt, depression or anxiety, as it becomes an experience that both of you feel safe and content in.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Talk About Limits and Hard No\u2019s<\/span><\/h3>\n

We are human and we make mistakes. But once a line has been crossed in a dom\/sub scene, it can be hard to come out of it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Knowing your sub\u2019s ultimate list of things they want, don’t want, enjoy and absolutely won’t tolerate will help you to understand your sub better, which can result in both of you walking away from a scene feeling satisfied.<\/span><\/p>\n

It also leaves less room for feelings of guilt and anxiety around topics such as: <\/span>\u201cDid they have a good time?\u201d \u201cDid I cross a line?\u201d \u201cDid I hurt them in such a way that they did not enjoy it?\u201d<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Set Clear Boundaries<\/span><\/h3>\n

Boundaries, while including limits and hard no\u2019s, also include things like consent, safe words and being completely transparent with one another. Surprises can be fun, as long as both of you stick to what feels comfortable and agreed upon beforehand, so there won\u2019t be room for misunderstanding or any ill feelings.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Discuss Triggers (and Trauma, if Comfortable)<\/span><\/h3>\n

Just as you would discuss limits and hard no\u2019s, talking about triggers and <\/span>trauma<\/span> can be a healing experience for both a dom and a sub. There is, of course, no rule that says one needs to talk about these things, but it\u2019s important to remember that you should only engage in something that you and your sub feel comfortable doing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Talking about your triggers and\/or trauma in a safe and trusting space, is a great way to remove any bad feelings. It can also reduce the chance of experiencing negative or hurtful emotions after a scene.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

6. Aftercare, Aftercare, Aftercare!<\/span><\/h3>\n

Did we mention aftercare?! Aftercare is the perfect way to end a scene as it encapsulates feelings of happiness, togetherness, caring and comfort.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A scene can be a wild ride full of positive emotions and new sensations, but when the ride stops spinning, top drop (and sub drop) can sink in and one could be left with bad feelings. Of course, no one wants to experience negative emotions after a great session.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

So, by implementing acts of empathy after a scene (aka aftercare), you can both walk away feeling more grounded, appreciated, cared for and respected.<\/span><\/p>\n

Some examples of aftercare include:<\/b><\/p>\n