You've Round-Tripped Two Cycles and Feel Depressed: What's the Real Message of the 2026 Crypto Market?

In 2026, I lost $837,000 after experiencing two crypto cycles. Every time I hit the buy button, my heart froze with pain. Like me, countless investors entered the 2021 bull market aggressively, only to lose everything in the 2022 FTX collapse and LUNA crash. Assets tied to ETH and Solana, in particular, evaporated by over 70% in an instant. At the time, I didn't even have the courage to open my exchange wallet. I'll reveal how I escaped this hell at the end of this article. Until then, do not buy any coins.

To get straight to the point, these feelings are a perfectly normal reaction, arising from the interplay of natural market flows and investor psychology. Especially as we head towards 2026, the weight of past experiences can feel even heavier.

Bitcoin Halving Cycles and Investor Psychology: Lessons from 2017 and 2021

Let's break it down. The Bitcoin halving cycle is a significant event that occurs approximately every four years. Let's look at specific examples to see how it has impacted investor sentiment. 2017 and 2021 were periods that led to two major bull markets.

In 2017, BTC surged to nearly $20,000, giving many investors hope. It was like tasting sweet success for the first time. But then, the subsequent grim downturn brought immense disappointment to many. Later, in 2021, it soared again to over $60,000, instilling the belief that 'this time it's really different,' only for another downturn to plunge many investors into deep depression. This repetitive experience is the essence of 'Round tripped two cycles.'

But here's the thing:

Within these cycles, investors often ride an emotional rollercoaster of FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) and FUD (Fear, Uncertainty, Doubt). During bull markets, they rush to enter at the top, fearing they'll miss out. During bear markets, they often sell at the bottom, terrified of losing everything. This repetitive psychological pattern leads to self-blame and depression, thinking, 'Why does this always happen to me?' Make sure to remember this point.

📖 Related: Is Bitcoin's Downturn a Buying Opportunity? Market Outlook & Strategy for 2026

2026 Market Outlook: Learning from Past Data to Prepare for the Future

So, what about 2026? Past data provides crucial clues for predicting the future. Let's analyze it together using the table below.

* Data Source: CoinGecko (based on recent updates)
Source: Reconstructed based on CoinDesk Bitcoin Price Index and Glassnode on-chain data analysis

Why is this important?

Looking at the data above, we can see a commonality: it took approximately a year and a half for BTC to reach its peak after each halving. This means that even though the market seems to move rapidly, it follows a certain temporal pattern. 2026 is likely to be a period when the market heads towards its peak after the next halving. Of course, the past doesn't guarantee the future 100%, but understanding these patterns can be a great help in formulating investment strategies.

If you understand this, the rest is easy. What's truly important is how we should approach these cycles. It requires training ourselves to look at the market from a long-term perspective, without being swayed by emotions. Using CryptoPing's market analysis tools to check historical data yourself is also a good approach.

⚠️ Investment Risk Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Cryptocurrency investments carry the risk of principal loss, so please consult with a professional before making any investment decisions. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

📖 Related: 2026, The New Horizon of the Crypto Market: What Does 'Wer von euch ist das?' Mean?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why do I still feel depressed after experiencing two cycles?

These feelings often stem from 'investment fatigue' and the 'discrepancy between expectations and reality.' It's a natural phenomenon that occurs when market volatility is high, and you don't achieve the expected returns or experience losses. Experiencing similar patterns of disappointment in repetitive cycles can lead to even deeper depression.

Q2: How can I overcome this depression as the 2026 market approaches?

Here's the real deal:

The most important thing is to maintain a 'long-term perspective.' Rather than being swayed by short-term price fluctuations, you need an attitude of consistent investment, believing in the intrinsic value and growth potential of crypto technology. Additionally, establishing your own investment principles and acting according to them will help reduce emotional decision-making. Using CryptoPing's portfolio management feature to objectively review your investment status is also a good approach.

Q3: What exactly does the phrase 'Round tripped two cycles' mean?

This phrase is an analogy for experiencing both a bull run and a bear market in the crypto market as 'round tripping one cycle.' 'Round tripped two cycles' means having gone through this experience twice, and it's a term primarily used by veteran investors who have witnessed the market's ups and downs multiple times.

📖 Related: STRC Preferred Stock Dips Below $90 for the First Time Since 2026: What's Really Driving the Market?

In Closing

Feeling depressed after round-tripping two cycles is by no means a feeling you experience alone. Many investors are likely feeling similar emotions. The important thing is to understand these emotions and use past experiences to prepare more wisely for the market beyond 2026. If you have any questions, leave them in the comments — I'll help you sort them out.

About the Author
Education Manager — Senior Crypto Analyst

Expertise: Cryptocurrency Trading, Risk Management, Bitcoin Technical Analysis
Last Reviewed: 2026-06-29