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Bitcoin veterans share experiences during bear markets

Crypto Bear Instills Fear | Veterans Recall Painful Market Experiences

By

Jasper Lee

Nov 21, 2025, 04:09 PM

Edited By

John Tsoi

3 minutes needed to read

A group of Bitcoin veterans discussing strategies to handle bear markets, with one person sharing personal experiences in a focused conversation.
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In 2025, seasoned Bitcoin holders reflect on their tumultuous journeys through the cryptocurrency bear markets. With a notable downturn in BTC prices, the emotional toll of these fluctuations prompts candid discussions across various forums.

Insights from the trenches

A year into holding Bitcoin can be challenging, with many expressing concerns over significant price drops. Comments from veterans recounted their past experiences of uncertainty and regret during previous market lows. One veteran reminisced about the painful 2018 bear market, where BTC dropped to $3,000 after an initial high of $20,000. "I felt ashamed and embarrassed that I ever bought BTC," the commenter revealed, sharing how they disengaged from the crypto community during that time.

Interestingly, not everyone shared the same outlook. One long-time holder reflects, "This will be my third bear. I feel kind of bad when it’s down, but I also feel pretty good when it’s up." It's clear that resilience grows over time, with many finding ways to cope with the volatility.

Emotional rollercoaster

Interestingly, several users noted how lengthy periods of downturn may numb investors to price swings. A user stated, "Now the price fluctuations mean nothing. I am completely numb to ups and downs." This sentiment highlights a stark contrast to the panic felt during earlier market plummets.

Others acknowledged the necessity of sound strategy, emphasizing discipline in investing. One investor advised, "Feelings shouldn’t be a factor when investing. Have a plan and stick to it." The importance of a long-term approach, like dollar-cost averaging (DCA), surfaced repeatedly, offering a safety net against emotional reactions to market changes.

"It's a roller coaster; I’m just enjoying the ride," said a user advocating for steady DCA practices, further asserting that understanding Bitcoin's fundamentals can mitigate anxiety.

Key Takeaways

  • πŸ’” Emotional Impact: Many feel discouraged, recalling past panic during crashes.

  • πŸ“ˆ Long-term Perspective: Adopting a disciplined approach, like DCA, helps in turbulent times.

  • πŸ”„ Resilience Grows: Continuous exposure to market fluctuations leads to increased comfort with volatility.

Users stress the need to remember why they invested in Bitcoin amidst the chaos. The discourse serves as a reminder of the broader implications of cryptocurrency market trends on individual psychological well-being. As the market landscape evolves, the collective wisdom of veterans offers valuable insight for newcomers navigating their own bear markets.

What’s on the Horizon

As Bitcoin continues to navigate the bear market waters, there’s a strong chance that volatility will remain a significant factor in the coming months. Many veterans believe that the market could stabilize in the later part of 2025, with experts estimating around a 60% likelihood of pricing recovery as long-term adoption and institutional interest gains momentum. Should regulations continue to tighten, this could further solidify Bitcoin's legitimacy, driving more cautious investors back into the fold. Consequently, those who maintain disciplined strategies, like dollar-cost averaging, could find themselves better positioned as the market evolves.

A Lesson from the Sports Arena

The current crypto landscape bears resemblance to an underdog soccer team facing a tough league. As experienced players will tell you, the key often lies in perseverance instead of panic. Just like those teams that slowly build resilience with each hard-fought match, Bitcoin veterans learn from their previous struggles to weather the storm. In both cases, cohesion and an unwavering strategy are crucial for long-term success. As both arenas showcase, growth frequently comes through adversity, urging investors to remain focused on the end goal despite the ups and downs.