@misha_taylor, @adriannaglaviano
Feeling sad after getting married? Take a deep breath and calm yourself a little bit. Promise you, you are not going crazy. This phenomenon is pretty common and has quite a poetic name — post-wedding blues. It's a feeling of melancholy from the realization that the magic of a wedding is over and married life has begun. Good news: you are not the only one! Many brides (and even grooms) go through the same thing. So, what exactly is post-wedding depression, and how do you cope with it? Find out below.
Post-wedding depression and its signs
The wedding cake has already been eaten, the guests said their farewells, and the attention has faded away — it’s time to go back to reality. While some newly married couples don’t take everything too hard, others feel sad, depressed, and even let down once the anticipated celebration is over. That’s what post-wedding blues are. The symptoms of post-wedding depression vary but can include low mood, lack of excitement, apathy, and even doubts about your partner. Though blues are a normal reaction, they, however, can negatively impact your married life. So if you feel like post-wedding depression is taking control over you, try some things for relief.
Set new goals
The excitement of planning doesn’t have to be gone forever. So how about setting a new goal? When you have something in the future to look forward to, you gain motivation and even find a new reason to wake up every day. Planning something fun together with your other half is a great way to get through the period of the post-wedding slump. Big or small — the size of your new goal doesn’t really matter. It might be a large family gathering, a trip to a country you’ve been dreaming of visiting but had no opportunity to, a home redecoration or just closing those Apple Watch rings every day. Keep your calendar busy!
@poisdesenteur.design, @olarindal
Talk it out
Don’t hide away your emotions! Share them with your spouse or family members. Feeling means living, so emotions (even negative ones) are not something to be ashamed of. By being open about what you are going through, you can work out everything faster. If you are quite hesitant about showing your true feelings to your loved ones, self-care journaling can help you clear your mind. Get a separate notebook where you will put your thoughts, memories and deepest desires. Once you pour your emotions out you will feel how much weight has been lifted off your shoulders.
Consider counseling
If you don't feel like yourself for weeks or even months, consider getting therapy. Talking to a specialist can help you understand your feelings better and find the root of the problem. What causes your sadness? Is it just the realization that something great has ended or something more serious? A professional therapist will try to figure it out and plan your further steps. If in-person sessions are not your thing, you can use online therapy platforms. It connects users to licensed specialists and provides counseling services through web-based interaction as well as phone and text. You can also download one of many self-care apps to practice mindfulness and track your emotions, like Headspace, Exhale, or My Possible Self.
Focus on a hobby
Throughout the wedding planning process, some brides discover a love for creativity. In fact, focusing on a hobby can help suppress negative thoughts and ease stress. Challenge yourself to learn the basics of a new language online, download a food recipe app to make Gordon Ramsey proud, watch drawing tutorials on YouTube, start gardening or make inspiring boards on Pinterest. Trust us: having something creative to fill your free time will bring new colors to your life.
Give yourself time
Yes, the slump might be unavoidable, but sooner or later, everything will be back to normal, and your sadness will fade away. Just like the sun shining brightly after the rain, you will shine too. Instead of rushing things, give yourself time. Don’t deny your feelings, but accept them. Although a wedding celebration is a magical one-of-a-kind experience, the fact that you finally found someone to rely on and share your life with is even more precious. So don’t forget about that!
