And hopefully some ways to deal with it.

Character bleed is quite a hard term to define because of how much it can encompass. Possibly the easiest way is to say it’s where the line between your character and you become blurred in one way or another. This post will be listing some, but not all types, and some tips to working around each.

Emotional Bleed.
Scenario: Your character had a really intense time and really felt their feelings. When you time out, you still feel upset/ecstatic/on edge etc.
Tips: This is a problem with a range of solutions. If you don’t mind the feelings and need to simply get them out, writing IC letters or fic can help immensely with venting on behalf of your characters. However, if the left over feelings aren’t helpful, it can help to do something you like or provides enjoyment PURELY for you. Films, music or conversation are good outlets.

Headspace bleed.
Scenario: You’ve timed out, but your thought patterns and reactions are still matching your character. You’re finding it hard to snap out of it.
Tips: I personally always find that spending time around friends on an OC level is helpful. People treating you as you, not your character tends to help with easing out of their thoughts. 

Defensive Bleed.
Scenario:Your character made some choices and stuck the hell by them. After time out, you find yourself getting prickly and defensive over discussion on if your character was right to do those things. You can’t quite admit your character may have flaws because they feel like you right now.
Tips: First of all, take a breath. Try to internalise the idea that criticism of your character isn’t criticism of you. Realise and assure yourself that people having opinions of your character is proof you made an impact. Unless people are being disrespectful and directly insulting, try not to snap at them for said negative opinions. Their opinions also may differ from their characters! 

Relationship Bleed.
Scenario:Your character had a terrifying villain, a dashing love interest or a protective bond with their child. Time out has happened and you’re still feeling emotions towards the players, or harbouring opinions of them based purely on character.
Tips: I find this one more straightforward to deal with than most. Go and talk to the player OC. Note the differences, see how they aren’t their character and that your relationship is not the same. This is doubly important for characters you have romantic or antagonistic links with. 

Adrenaline Bleed.
Scenario:The game was intense and frightening. You’ve timed out, but you still feel on edge, frightened or otherwise tense.
Tips:Go somewhere quiet, have a hot drink, have someone with you. Ask them to reassure you if it would help, that you’re safe. Ask GMs or Refs to show you the mechanics of what you were frightened of, see how unreal it all is. Apply hugs liberally. 

On a final note, self-care is important, and the above is only a guideline. There are many more varieties and solutions. After a game, always make sure you are fed and hydrated, sleep soon, and if you need help, ask for it. Take care of yourself.

Ok, first we had this

Then this

There was a typo by the way, it’s ‘Castiel’ instead of ‘casting out’, as pointed in the comments below, I fixed it.

I have many questions about these but first one is:

-WHY AM I NOT SEEING DOZENS OF COCKLESMETAS ON MY DASH ???

Second :

-Does Cockles even need metas at this point?

And third : where are my metas and fics and fanarts and metas and people freaking out in the comments like these ones :

And Why are you fandom not freaking out about what Jensen said especially?

“There were some expressions in them that weren’t Castiel, and I remember seeing that and I think that broke me”

Is it because of the typo?

So it’s fixed now, yes ladies and gentlemen, he said what he said, let’s freak out collectively

@castiel-left-his-mark-on-me@breaking-up-with-cockles@theyarebothgunshot@whengeorgiawentblue