Festival mishaps

Opinion: Solve your post-festival problems.

If your festival experience wasn’t all smiles and laughs, don't worry. A lot of people come home having to deal with some serious issues. Here are a few common problems along with some pointers on how to deal with them. Deep breath, it's going to be ok.

I lost my money, my mobile, my bank card, my tent...!

This ain’t no Woodstock! Between drink, drugs, crowds, noise, designer wellies and general chaos, it’s very easy to find that you misplaced your stuff or someone decided they liked your gear better than theirs. Such is modern festival life.

If your cash is gone, well that sucks. If your mobile walked off you can contact your mobile phone provider directly to kill your phone ASAP. If your bank card is missing, also contact your bank ASAP to cancel the card. As for the tent... probably best to leave it in the tent graveyard. (cue: moment of silence)

I cheated.

Ut-oh. You definitely want to read: So you've cheated. And may consider: How to say you're sorry.

I feel really down.

It’s natural after the festival euphoria to feel like shit. Maybe you had a blast and this is the inevitable come-down. Or, maybe you felt overwhelmed at the festival, and feel like a weirdo for not enjoying it like young wild things are supposed to. Sometimes the mix of crowds, sun, damp, mud, drugs, absent friends or partners, or just non-stop action can shock the system. It’s ok.

Try to take it easy over the next few days. Avoid alcohol, drugs and caffeine. Eat well. And sleep, sleep, sleep!

If you’re still feeling rough, it’s ok: Find Help.

I haven’t slept in ages, but I can’t seem to crash.

Your body may be over-tired. Avoid the internet despite the temptation to re-live the festival fun online and tag yourself in every pic under the sun until 3am. Check out: Quiet time chills out tips.

I stink! Seriously kickin, boy!

Here are some good old reliable tips: Body smells, Spots gone wild, Greasy hair and Bad breath.

I think I may have been raped. But I’m not totally sure.

This is going to weigh on your mind and heart big time. Not to mention, you could be at risk of STIs, pregnancy or other health risks. Inform yourself so you can decide what action to take: What counts as rape?, What to expect at a Rape Crisis Centre, Rape crisis iPhone app.

My stomach is killing me.

Not eating very much, eating rubbish, eating the most bazaar combinations of food, or drinking more than you usually do may have your belly in agony. We won’t even mention your liver, for now. Easy tiger.

Drink loads of water, and try to stick to healthy foods like fruits, veggies, yoghurt, wholesome grains, eggs, etc. Mushroom & cheese omlette anyone?

I didn’t use protection. Or I kinda sorta did. I think.

Not sure. Be sure: Worrying symptoms, Visiting STI clinics , and Emergency contraception.

I forgot to take my medicine.

It’s best to give your GP a shout so you get the best advice.
If you’re on birth control: Missing the Pill

I am now officially broker than broke.

Ah yes, if only the ATM gave out fivers! Living cheaply tips, may hold you over for now.

I think I have a drinking and/or drug problem.

Talk about possible addiction problems ASAP.

My friends ditched me or treated me like crap.

If you feel like these are friendships worth saving: How to have tough talks. If your gut instinct says you're better of without them: Making new friends.

By: oNemOreTuNe

Got tips on anything yourself. Cool. Please share your wisdom!

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See the help section for contact details of support organisations.