I'm experiencing something and I suspect I'm not alone.
I started this wonderful, gentle, comforting British show over the holidays that I just can't get enough of. There's no violence, no sex, and the townspeople have little problems that can be easily solved within an hour. It's become the highlight of my day when I can sit and and relax with it.
And I'm about to finish it.
First of all, how dare these people make only four seasons????? Yes, I realize it was made in 2008 and that most of the cast was then stolen for Downton Abbey, but STILL. I've so enjoyed each episode, wondering who will appear next because I've seen almost every actor in it in a movie or show since this one ended (confirming my dad's suspicion that England only has 10 actors).
Anyway, I can't tell you how much I'm dreading the end of this show. I've been researching other series that the internet says are similar to this one, but I'm truly worried I won't have the same attachment. These are my people. I bawled my eyes out when one of the kids died of the measles and said, "Oh my" out loud to an empty house when one new couple chastely hooked up. I give the snooty townspeople dirty looks when they're not nice and send up a prayer for the poor ones (even though the whole thing is fake and took place in the 1800s).
I'm invested.
My fear of finishing my binge has really occupied too many thoughts lately. I'm trying to ration my watching so I can drag it out. It takes planning to make sure I'm in the right frame of mind to truly enjoy it because I don't want to waste it. NO ONE can be around as I watch the last few episodes and if you make any noise around me, you'll get a scowl thrown your way as I exit out of the show and wait for your departure in a stony silence.
THIS. IS. SERIOUS.
Because this has become so consuming, I believe it's a real thing - a true syndrome - and it should be recognized by notable mental health organizations. I think if you're suffering from endofbingeaphobia as I am, you should be allowed a few days off from work to appreciate the last few episodes of the show you're about to mourn and to allow ample time to find something to replace it (if that's possible). There should be support groups available for the individual shows so that you can gather and discuss your favorite parts and lean on each other when you get emotional.
Now, I realize that if paid time off were allowed for endofbingeaphobia, half the world would have stayed at home when Game of Thrones ended and that could affect the economy. However, I do think that because we all suffer from it at some point, it gives us some common ground.
I mean, what if Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un were both depressed when Breaking Bad ended? What if by experiencing endofbingeaphobia they found they could lean on each other and forget about pressing the big red button?
This truly could be revolutionary for all mankind.