Current Events > How do you get over the feeling of losing a lot of money? I think I'm sad?

(+) Yeah! (+)

I invested my money in a couple stock plays and I found out this morning that I lost a big chunk of my portfolio. I can't really put how I feel into words. I think I feel sad, but at the same time, I feel this sense of "blagh-ness" like nothing matters anymore. I think my mind is trying not to process the trauma and is subconsciously compartmentalizing the emotions elsewhere. I should be feeling sad, depressed, whatever. But I don't. It's like if the world were to burn down tomorrow, I wouldn't care.

How do I properly process grief from this investment loss so that I don't unconsciously project pent up emotions from this in the future?

How much is a "big chunk"?

Iamdepressed posted...

I should be feeling sad, depressed, whatever. But I don't.

your name says otherwise

ItsNotA2Mer posted...

How much is a "big chunk"?

20% of my portfolio, which is a sizable amount considering the fact that I'm not an active trader. It took me several years to see those gains and now it's all gone in a single day. Somehow this loss makes me feel like I've taken a couple steps back in life. Now I won't be able to buy a car or pay the down-payment on a home. Am I valid to feel concerned about this?

It's not a loss until you sell.

Losing years of effort, especially when we tend to compartmentalize each day as working towards some goal instead of an endless slog until death, then to have that effort negated is a very real thing.

Its just back to the slog, and maybe in a couple years you might be back where you were yesterday of course its valid to feel a certain way about that.

el_cheato posted...

It's not a loss until you sell.

This.

Keep those losses until you sell a big gain to help offset tax implications the year of sale

Iamdepressed posted...

20% of my portfolio, which is a sizable amount considering the fact that I'm not an active trader. It took me several years to see those gains and now it's all gone in a single day. Somehow this loss makes me feel like I've taken a couple steps back in life. Now I won't be able to buy a car or pay the down-payment on a home. Am I valid to feel concerned about this?

I mean, yeah, that's definitely a chunk. Sorry to hear it.
You may be disassociating as a coping mechanism, and you'll just process it in time. I'm not a psychiatrist or anything.

You're looking at it the wrong way around.

The unnecessarily (and uncharacteristic) risky behaviour is a product of the lack of engagement/feeling.

Jusy make it back by writing nvda calls

What were the stock plays?

Regret

Iamdepressed posted...

20% of my portfolio

goddamn wall street lost his money.

I lost $725 million dollars, because I didn't buy two Pizzas. So, cheer up.

Alteres posted...

Its just back to the slog, and maybe in a couple years you might be back where you were yesterday of course its valid to feel a certain way about that.

I wish I could have lived blissfully being ignorant of my portfolio. It was practically in a super position existing in two states. I would have gained nothing from looking at my portfolio, but I felt compelled to log in for no reason and realize my loss. Now I feel like that goal I've kept in mind has become another endless slog I'll have to strike for. Everything suddenly feels heavier now.

I'm sorry to hear about your loss. It's common to feel a range of emotions, including sadness, frustration, and even numbness, after experiencing a significant financial loss. Here are some steps you can take to process your grief and prevent it from affecting you in the future:

1. Allow yourself to feel your emotions: It's okay to feel sad, disappointed, or even angry about the loss. Acknowledge and accept these feelings rather than trying to suppress them.
2. Talk about it: Share your feelings with someone you trust, whether it's a friend, family member, or therapist. Talking about your experience can help you process your emotions and gain perspective.
3. Reflect on your investment strategy: Take some time to review your investment decisions and what led to the loss. Consider what you could have done differently and what you've learned from the experience. This reflection can help you make more informed decisions in the future.
4. Focus on what you can control: While you can't change the outcome of your investments, you can control how you respond to the situation. Focus on taking positive steps, such as adjusting your investment strategy or seeking professional advice, rather than dwelling on what has already happened.
5. Practice self-care: Take care of yourself physically and emotionally during this time. Engage in activities that help you relax and de-stress, such as exercise, meditation, or spending time with loved ones.
6. Set realistic expectations: Understand that investing involves risks, and losses are a natural part of the process. Set realistic expectations for your investments and avoid chasing quick gains or taking excessive risks.

By allowing yourself to process your emotions and taking proactive steps to learn from the experience, you can move forward with a healthier mindset and avoid projecting pent-up emotions in the future.

el_cheato posted...

It's not a loss until you sell.

This.

In 2021 or 2022 I think I lost 16% over a few weeks (UK mini-budget). I held on (actually increased my monthly investment while the price was low). Now I'm up about 17%.

jediknight0056 posted...

I'm sorry to hear about your loss. It's common to feel a range of emotions, including sadness, frustration, and even numbness, after experiencing a significant financial loss. Here are some steps you can take to process your grief and prevent it from affecting you in the future:
1. Allow yourself to feel your emotions: It's okay to feel sad, disappointed, or even angry about the loss. Acknowledge and accept these feelings rather than trying to suppress them.
2. Talk about it: Share your feelings with someone you trust, whether it's a friend, family member, or therapist. Talking about your experience can help you process your emotions and gain perspective.
3. Reflect on your investment strategy: Take some time to review your investment decisions and what led to the loss. Consider what you could have done differently and what you've learned from the experience. This reflection can help you make more informed decisions in the future.
4. Focus on what you can control: While you can't change the outcome of your investments, you can control how you respond to the situation. Focus on taking positive steps, such as adjusting your investment strategy or seeking professional advice, rather than dwelling on what has already happened.
5. Practice self-care: Take care of yourself physically and emotionally during this time. Engage in activities that help you relax and de-stress, such as exercise, meditation, or spending time with loved ones.
6. Set realistic expectations: Understand that investing involves risks, and losses are a natural part of the process. Set realistic expectations for your investments and avoid chasing quick gains or taking excessive risks.
By allowing yourself to process your emotions and taking proactive steps to learn from the experience, you can move forward with a healthier mindset and avoid projecting pent-up emotions in the future.

Weird how your response sounds like something you'd read out of Bing's search engine.