How to Reduce Post-Wedding Depression

This post discusses the causes of post-wedding depression and offers a number of simple ways to reduce its effect on your marriage.

Post-wedding depression is an actual thing, though it's often underreported and misunderstood. It's a condition that affects many newlywed couples, and can lead to serious consequences if not treated. In fact, some studies estimate that 30 to 50 percent of newlywed couples suffer from the condition. One woman, for example, began feeling depressed after the wedding and was diagnosed with major depression a few weeks later. Her husband was left confused and angry, and the two struggled to move forward.

What causes post-wedding depression?

The cause of post-wedding depression is a bit tricky. Many experts believe that it's rooted in the nature of weddings themselves. The wedding industry is big business, and it's no wonder that couples often feel that they are being pressured to spend their honeymoons and New Year’s together.

Another theory is that post-wedding depression is a side effect of a change in hormones. The surge in estrogen and progesterone that comes with pregnancy and childbirth can contribute to symptoms, as can a drop in testosterone levels after menopause.

There's also evidence that the stress of a wedding may contribute to depression. And, perhaps most relevant for my purposes here, a recent study published in the Journal of Marriage and Family suggested that the stress of the wedding ceremony itself may be a factor.

Yet another idea is that post-wedding depression is simply the result of a mismatch between expectations and reality. Couples expect that their wedding day will be the happiest day of their lives, but sometimes it isn't. Some brides and grooms find that they have trouble adapting to the realities of married life. Others, meanwhile, find that their new responsibilities — like caring for a newborn, cooking dinner, or paying bills — are more than they bargained for. For others, the transition to a new life as a married couple is just difficult in general.

How to Reduce Post-Wedding Depression?

There are a number of effective strategies for dealing with post-wedding depression. As with many other challenges in life, it's best to address the problem sooner rather than later. If you notice that you're feeling down, ask yourself whether it's a symptom of a more serious problem. If you think it's a serious issue, seek out professional help as soon as possible. Your doctor may be able to diagnose you with post-wedding depression and recommend appropriate treatment. The sooner you can get help, the better off you'll be. For more information on post-wedding depression, consult the best psychiatrist in Bhopal, Dr. Sanjeet Diwan.