Anxiety + Wedding Planning = Bad Combo

Elitefourabby

Is anyone else dealing with an anxiety or mood disorder while planning? Because it majorly sucks. I keep procrastinating and forgetting things and UGH. Anyone have any tips that aren't suck it up?

sofakingmad

Xanax?

doeydo

I am.  It hasn't been too bad yet, but we'll see how it goes as the wedding comes closer.  Maybe making a giant list and putting things on an Excel spreadsheet or something would help you organize all the to-dos so you don't forget anything or feel overwhelmed. 

emmyg65

Yep. I had a super detailed checklist with deadlines and such, and my then-FI was very helpful. I actually had to go to a few therapy appointments to get my anxiety under check. And I beefed up my self-care (relaxing baths, peaceful walks, lots of time ignoring the wedding planning, regular exercise, etc.),

sarahufl

I have a lot of anxiety. It used to manifest itself in daily vomiting. Thankfully, with some therapy, that has gotten better. I find that I have been having trouble sleeping lately and try to combat that with going to the gym more regularly and eating a more balanced diet.

pumpkinsandturkeys

Focusing on small tasks helps me manage it best, as well as ensuring that planning is balanced with an equal amount of non-wedding-related things that I enjoy.

Blergbot

I have Major Depressive Disorder and I have some anxiety along with it. It has certainly been a hindrance for me. I really struggled with hotel blocks, as I don't like to call strangers on the phone. I also just generally feel overwhelmed. My main focus is to have fun the day of, which is why having a DOC was important to me.

singinchick13

I suffer from bipolar II disorder, but I am also pretty 'type A' personality so I tend towards keeping things super organized. I write down EVERYthing, the moment I book an appointment it's in my agenda and on my fridge calendar. I also have wedding stuff all organized in a folder divided into categories. There are pictures and some documents saved on our harddrive as well, but I'm a bit of a luddite and prefer writing things down and making my own organizational system.

My biggest problem has been difficulty sleeping. I will be lying awake in bed for hours just letting thoughts run through my head. I intend to make an effort to get more exercise each day so that my brain will just shut off because my body is tired, but that's easier said than done.

lc07

If you can afford it I highly recommend hiring a reputable full service wedding planner.

Artemischief

I've been having panic attacks, not about the marriage, just the "oh my gosh there is so much left to do." My doctor prescribed lorazepam, I try not to take it, but just knowing that I can if I need to helps calm me down. 

Also, after an attack I always try to cross something off the list to ease my mind. After my biggest one yet I sat down and actually got the whole ceremony taken care of.

I'm a huge list maker as well, and being able to cross things off really helps me see that while there is a lot left to do, I've already done a ton!

mschristie123

I'm definitely an anxious person, and one thing that has been infinitely helpful for me is to keep a comprehensive list of all my to-do's. I absolutely love making lists! I used TK checklist for a while, and as we have gotten closer to the day, I have my own to do list down to every single minute detail. It helps manage my anxiety that I can see everything in black and white and I get the rush of crossing things off the list. :-) It helps me see everything that needs to be done, develop a time line, and not forget all of the teeny tiny little details. GL to you!

CookieD86

I have anxiety (sometimes with panic attacks) and fibromyalgia (im 27). It is definitely challenging sometimes to plan the wedding not because I'm not happy but because I'm thinking about ALL the things I have to get done. I mean I'm writing this post at 1 am bc I'm not sleeping from thinking about all the little details. I find it best to make lists every day or week for the things I need to do that take priority. I try not to resort to meds but sometimes a girl had got to sleep! Lol just keep in mind you are doing the best you can and everything will be beautiful.

CMGragain

Aw, you guys definitely need a Mommy.  I planned a lot of my daughter's wedding, and I took a lot of anxiety off her shoulders.  Don't get me wrong - I did it all her way.  She chose everything.  She tends to obsess and be perfectionistic about a few things.  She got wound up around a DIY project of pew decorations she saw in a magazine.  They simply did not work!  Take THAT, Martha Stewart!
She was very upset just before the wedding, partly about the stupid pew decorations. 
I took her hands and started singing "Goin' to the chapel and we're - gonna get ma--a-a-ried.."
The bridesmaids joined in, and she started to smile.  When the pastor walked in, she saw five ladies doing a dance routine and singing Motown songs.  The wedding was great, once she let go.
There is no such thing as a perfect wedding.  Let go.  (Cymbalta helps.)