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5 Practical Ways to Overcome Depression After Marriage

You have eagerly anticipated your wedding with all its splendor. After all, it has been the largest project you have ever been engaged in and the most important day of your life. You have probably planed it for months, and now that it is over, you start to feel a little down. The irritating sense of disappointment has just kicked in.

That is what's called a post-nuptial depression. After months of planning, organizing and being creative, now that it comes to an end you feel a void in your life. Women are affected more, maybe because in most cases women are in charge of preparation, but that it is a huge step for men too.

Unfortunately, depression is not limited just to the period after the wedding. It is one of the byproducts of our modern society and way of life. Depression is one of the main causes of missed work, disability and broken relationships.

Nothing is as efficient as this devastating disease in robbing you of the ability to enjoy your life. You used to enjoy a lot of different activities, but now they just leave you empty. It is increasingly hard to interact with your partner, friends, family and coworkers.

There are estimates that roughly 10 percent of women are suffering from more or less severe depression after marriage with symptoms that include sadness, remorse and frustration.

The problems is that a lot of woman expect too much of their wedding, rather than being focused on the marriage itself. After all, they shouldn't lose sight of the fact that they should live together with their husband after the wedding is over. This behavior can go to such lengths that some women are in just for the over-the-top wedding and not because they love their husband.

Instead of being a carefree time, the post wedding time can be intimidating, because the partying is over and now the couple have to start to live together. So what can you do to change this? Here are some quick tips to try to prevent post-nuptial depression:

• Don't stop planning. Plan for after the wedding. Where would you go on holidays? What can you do together? What are your mutual dreams and objectives?
Make your marriage feel fresh. Prepare one little surprise for your spouse every day. Just because you are married now, your relationship doesn't have to lose spontaneity.
When you are married it is much more easy to notice the flaws of your partner. Don't do that. Remind yourself about why you fell in love with him or her in the first place. Everyone has the good and bad side about themselves.
Learn how to compromise. Marriage is all about the art of giving and taking.

What if the depression has already set in? What can you do? Provided that the case of post-nuptial depression is relatively mild and that it is not disrupting your life too much, you would probably want to avoid the traditional ways of therapy or medication.

There are some natural steps you can take, and after a while, they can be very efficient. Be aware that the following methods take time to start working and for you to see some effect. Moreover, we are talking about changes in lifestyle that are recommendable for everyone, depressed or not alike.

Here are some free and easy, practical methods for fighting depression:

1. Get outside. We have evolved rapidly, from living outside and in close proximity to nature, to being voluntarily imprisoned in cramped apartments. So, get outside together with your partner if you can, and expose yourself to sunlight for at least half an hour. This keeps the internal clock of your body set and provides energy for the rest of the day.
2. Get Enough Sleep. Good rest is of paramount importance. Go to sleep early if you can and wake up early too. Turn your TV off; turn all electronic devices off, including your cell phone. Don't engage yourself in any stressful activities. Don't get emotionally excited before going to bed. Avoid alcohol or caffeine. Quite mind and tired body are two major requirements for a good night's sleep.
3. Omega-3. Omega 3 fatty acids help your brain by improving neuron connectivity. Consult with your physician about the right dosage for you. If you can, get a portion of these essential acids from natural foods, such as fish. Avoid processed foods as much as you can.
4. Hang out. Go out and meet people. There is no reason why you and your spouse shouldn't socialize. Involve your close friends and family. Have fun with them, not difficult discussions. Go watch a movie, have a cup of coffee or lunch together, visit a museum or art gallery. Being around other people will help your get over that feeling of isolation. Online social networks don't count. Do all that in person, and do it on a regular basis.
5. Mind your thoughts. Depression as well as other emotional habits are best fought if you have a strategy how to cut your negative thoughts short. First step in that direction is to become aware of the time when you dwell on the negativities in your life. It doesn't matter if they are real or imagined. Just stop thinking about them. It is easier said than done, but still if you are persistent, and you start again and again, you will gradually build a very good habit that will help your overcome depressive feelings altogether. Start now and never again give yourself the luxury of growing negative thoughts.

The above methods complement one another. Start with one of them, and gradually include all of them. Let them become your daily routine and part of your life forever.

About the Author

Written by Mira Lonnia, new age author and self improvement expert.

Disclaimer:

The above guest post is published based on the premise that it will be helpful and informative. The opinions made within it are those of the author and not of sunnyray.org. The links you may find within this post do not necessarily imply our recommendation or endorsement of the views expressed within them.

Comments:

Sam says:
03-06-2016

Omega-3 is a great tip. The lack of Omega 3 has been connected to depression in general. And today's population is chronically low in omega 3 due to the so prevalent use of plant oils rich in omega 6. Even better alternative than fish oil is krill oil. So, do yourself a favor and get one to two grams of krill oil daily, as a great way to increase your omega 3 intake. Thanks!

sunnyray says:
03-06-2016

Thanks a thousand, Sam, for this great tip. Krill oil is indeed probably the best source of omega 3. And also a nature friendly way, as krill fishing is done in an ecological way and very sustainably. I would just add: get yourself some omega 3, natural or supplemental, even if you are not depressed at all.

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