Practical Tips for the Anxious Bride and Groom

Congrats on your engagement! You have found that special person who completes you. Both of you are about to begin a brand new journey in your lives. To culminate your commitment to each other, you will celebrate this moment by having a wedding. This is one of the most beautiful and memorable times in a person's life because you get to share your union with friends and family.

However, there are some brides and grooms who may not be able to fully enjoy the ride of wedding planning or wedding day activities because they are suffering from an anxiety disorder. It is estimated that 40 million adults in the United States age 18 and older, or 18.1% of the population every year are effected by anxiety. This disorder is the most common mental illness in the USA. However, anxiety disorders are very treatable, but only 36.9% of those suffering receive treatment.

Many brides and grooms may be dealing with anxiety disorders such as:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• Social Anxiety Disorder
• Panic Disorder
• Agoraphobia

Thinking of wedding may be too overwhelming because of  the uncertainty  and overestimating of threats that come with wedding planning and the actual wedding day. An anxious bride or groom may excessively worry about their wedding, want to avoid reminders of the wedding, believe that guests will judge them the during the ceremony/reception, or wonder if they will have a panic attack on the day.

The anxiety that you or your significant other may be experiencing can be addressed through careful planning and seeking helpful resources. There are professionals who are in the mental health and wedding industries that will be glad to help you have the wedding day experience you have always dreamed of.

Coping with Anxiety

• Seek the professional help of a therapist and/or a psychiatrist.
• You may learn the root cause of your anxiety.
• Coping skills can be developed regarding how to address catastrophising, excessive worry, avoidance, and having negative thoughts.
• Learn how to be in tune with your body when anxiety develops.
• Practice role playing scenarios of wedding day interactions.
• In addition to therapy, you may benefit from being prescribed an anti-anxiety medication that can help you reduce symptoms.

Self Care

• Incorporate atleast 3 days of 30 minute exercise into your weekly routine. This will help reduce muscle tension and acts as a natural way to combat stress. You can always exercise with friends or family, or hire a personal trainer for more motivation.
• Be mindful of your eating habits. When stressed or anxious, we tend to eat more or less of our normal appetite. Make sure to have a well-balance diet. You can always consult a nutritionist or find online guides in proper nutrition.
• Anxiety, can cause sleep disturbances. Try to maintain good sleep hygiene such as having a cool room environment, shutting off electronics before going to bed, and not drinking caffeinated products prior to bedtime. If sleep is difficult, consult your health care provider regarding  recommended options based on your lifestyle.

 Your Wedding Day Team

• Hiring the right vendors can help reduce your anxiety.
• Review your budget to see how much you plan to spend for the event.
• Ask family, friends, and co-workers for referrals since most people have had a wedding.
• Hire a “day of” or full service wedding planner who can help you with whatever needs you may have for your wedding.
• Once you have hired your vendors (Photographer, Videographer, DJ,etc), make sure to communicate your goals and expectations.
• Most importantly, select the right bridesmaids and groomsmen who will help you have a fun time and relax. You may even have someone from the bridal party be responsible for holding your medication in the event that you may need it.

Enjoy the journey of wedding planning and your ceremony/reception. You and your significant other deserve to feel like rockstars on your special day.

We at Genesis Psychiatric Solutions are hear to assist you, if you like to know more please call (703)955-0916 or email info@gpsmindset.com

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Author

Dr. Ifeanyi Olele Ifeanyi Olele, DO, MBA, MS, is a board-certified psychiatrist who sees adolescent and adult patients in the greater Washington DC metropolitan area at Genesis Psychiatric Solutions. Dr. Olele is a dedicated psychiatrist in the treatment of anxiety, depression, trauma-related stress disorders, and attention deficit disorders. Dr. Ifeanyi Olele is one of the few psychiatrists who utilizes psychotherapy (talk therapy) as part of his treatment plan.