Getting married is an incredible event that most people are excited about, as it signifies the start of a new chapter in their life, and the beginning of a wonderful adventure with their significant other. While it’s common for couples to discuss pre-wedding jitters as well as how to soothe wedding day anxiety, there’s another issue that doesn’t get quite as much attention: post-wedding blues, which happens more often than you think. A study conducted in 2018 found that 12% of the 152 women they surveyed felt some symptoms of depression within 6 months after the wedding.
If you’re experiencing these kinds of feelings, you’re not alone. Keep on reading to learn more about post-wedding blues, how to spot them, and what you can do if you’re experiencing them.
What are Post-Wedding Blues?
After months of planning and anticipating, your big day has finally come and gone. You are now officially a Mrs.! But instead of feeling elated and overjoyed, you find yourself feeling sad and down. Welcome to the post-wedding blues, a common phenomenon among newlyweds.
It’s not uncommon to feel a sense of emptiness after the excitement and anticipation leading up to the wedding. Suddenly, you no longer have to plan and prepare for the big day, and the post-wedding blues can set in. It can also usually occur because of a combination of several factors, such as adjustment issues, the stress that may come with updating your civil status, concerns about the future, and simply feeling overwhelmed.
Is Feeling Sad After the Wedding Normal?
Yes, it is completely normal to experience anxiety, depression, or both after your wedding. It’s important to remember that these feelings are temporary and will pass with time. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or anxious, don’t be afraid to reach out for support from friends and family or seek professional help.
Common Sources of Post-Wedding Anxiety and Depression
There are several common sources of post-wedding depression and anxiety, such as financial worries, relationship issues, having to discuss the pros and cons of changing your last name with your partner, and the fear of not being able to live up to expectations. It can also be caused by a sudden change in lifestyle or schedule due to planning for the wedding and feeling overwhelmed by all the new responsibilities that come with married life.
Symptoms of Post-Marriage Blues
Post-wedding anxiety or post-wedding depression can present itself in many different ways. If you’re experiencing any or a combination of the following symptoms, you may be facing post-wedding anxiety or depression.
Feeling Overwhelmed or Empty
After all the excitement, planning, and adrenaline of the wedding day, it’s typical to feel deflated or empty. You may feel like your life has lost its purpose or direction, and it’s not uncommon to spend long periods of time wondering what comes next.
Anxiety or Stress
Couples often experience increased levels of stress after getting married, due to the expectations that come with being married. You may worry about finances, starting a family, and other responsibilities that come with marriage. This can lead to feelings of anxiety and even panic attacks.
Trouble Adjusting to Married Life
There’s a reason weddings are often called new chapters—they literally change the way you go about life. It can take some time to adjust to the new routines, expectations, and responsibilities that come with being married. This can lead to feelings of confusion, frustration, or even depression. You may also find yourself questioning your choices and feeling anxious about whether you’ve made the right decisions in getting married.
Difficulties Focusing or Sleeping
It’s common to experience difficulties sleeping or staying asleep after major life events like weddings. You may find yourself waking up during the night or unable to fall asleep altogether. This can occur due to the stress of the event, a change in routine, or anxiety about the future.
Withdrawal from Friends and Family
You may find yourself withdrawing from your friends, your family, or even your spouse. This is either out of stress or due to feeling overwhelmed. When this happens, it can lead to loneliness, which in turn can further worsen the post-wedding blues.
Changes in Appetite or Mood Swings
You may find yourself suddenly eating more or less than usual or feeling emotionally overwhelmed. This is also normal and can be a result of the new changes taking place in your life.
Coping Strategies for Post-Wedding Anxiety and Depression
Feeling depressed or anxious after the wedding can make dim this beautiful new chapter in your life. If you think you’re experiencing post-wedding blues, here are some things you can do.
Talk to Your Partner
Your partner can be a source of comfort and support in difficult times. Let them know how you’re feeling and remind them that you’re going through a tough transition. Don’t be afraid to also ask for what you need from them. After all, they’ve got you for better or for worse, in sickness and in health!
Practice Self-Care
Make sure to take time for yourself to do the things you enjoy, such as hobbies, exercise, or reading. Try to also focus on your physical health by getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and avoiding drugs and alcohol.
Plan Something to Look Forward To
Planning a special event or trip can help to reduce stress and provide some much-needed rest. It can also give you both something to look forward to in the future. Whether it’s planning a date night with your partner or booking adventurous honeymoon destinations, having something to look forward to can make all the difference.
Seek Professional Help
If your symptoms persist, consider seeking professional help from a therapist or support group. Talking to someone who is knowledgeable can help you gain insight, process your feelings, and provide coping strategies tailored to your needs.
Give Yourself Time
Always keep in mind that post-wedding blues are normal and will likely pass with time. Don’t be too hard on yourself and take things one day at a time. Be patient with the transition, as it can sometimes take longer than expected to adjust to married life.
Remember, It’s Normal to Struggle
It’s vital to remember that feeling anxious or sad after the wedding is entirely normal and doesn’t make you weak. Communicate your feelings with your partner, friends, or family members who you trust. The more you talk about how you’re feeling, the less alone you will feel in your struggles.
Although it still isn’t given the attention it deserves, post-wedding blues happen more commonly than you think. If you’re going through it yourself, it’s crucial that you understand that you are not alone in this journey. Seek help and support if you need it, whether from family, friends, or a professional. There’s nothing shameful about needing assistance to cope with difficult emotions. With time, patience, and kindness, you’ll come out of this period stronger and more in tune with yourself and your partner.
Author: Nikki Uson
Nikki is a petite, part-time marketing copywriter, and full-time unicorn-chaser with a thirst for exploring the big world. She’s on a quest to find the best food, people, and experiences that life has to offer. When she’s not busy discovering new cities, she tries to make the world a better place one cookie at a time.
