Why You May Feel Depressed After Your Wedding
Getting married is one of those things we dream about or look forward to our whole lives. We can't wait to find our perfect match and begin our lives together. So, after all of that planning and finally experiencing the excitement and joy of the big day, why is it that many start to feel so low and blue about it all?
A recent study concluded that around 12% of women feel depressed right after their wedding. Many times we think marriage will fix relationship struggles, only to find out it only heightened them. Post-wedding blues are a real phenomenon that happens for many men and women all around the globe. It's meant to be the 'honeymoon' period, so why do people feel so depressed after their special day?
What Is Post-Wedding Depression?
The run-up to your wedding can be one of the most exciting periods in your life. There's all the planning, the invites, the dress or suit fitting, the parties and celebrations with friends and family—all culminating in one magical day. What's not to love?
But then you walk down the aisle, say the magic words, and it's time to drift off into the sunset together to start the rest of your lives. As happy and glorious as this sounds, for some, this is when a deep sadness and depression sets in. This is called post-wedding depression or post-wedding blues.
This term describes the anticlimactic feeling you get after experiencing the 'highs' of getting married, so as you can imagine, you also feel the 'lows' during the comedown afterward. You may feel flat, unfulfilled, unsure of what to do, nervous, and anxious, which are all symptoms of depression. However, the main difference between clinical depression and post-wedding depression is that the latter isn't as long-lasting.
Why You May Feel Depressed After Your Wedding
The main reason you may feel depressed after your wedding is because of the buildup to the big day. You've been planning the event for months or even years, dreaming of how the whole day would be glorious and wonderful. It's one of the most memorable days of your life.
What you are experiencing is a natural 'high' feeling, and once it's over, the 'low' can feel like it hits extra hard. For some people, post-wedding depression can occur because they expect the 'high' to last forever. However, when it doesn't, they may be left with feelings of 'what's next?' and 'where do I go from here?'
In short, the anticipation and excitement leading up to the wedding can leave you feeling rather flat afterward. In particular, after you've had the wedding and the honeymoon, returning to everyday life can suddenly seem very mundane and unfulfilling. However, this doesn't mean you aren't meant to be together or can't have a wholesome and fulfilling marriage.
How to Deal with Post-Wedding Blues
To help you cope with these feelings, consider the following:
Remember that it's just one great day of many that you will experience in your life.
Discuss married life and your plans after rather than just what your wedding day will be/or was.
Support one another in your feelings.
Focus on settling into your home together as newlyweds.
Try new things together to strengthen your bond and add excitement.
Seek a marriage counselor for guidance if your feelings of depression last.
The post-wedding blues are a real thing and can make you feel flat and low after the joy of your wedding. However, by discussing things with your new spouse and making plans for your future together, you can move past it and find fulfillment. If you have lingering feelings of concern and depression, call or email us to see one of our therapists for couples counseling.