Weddings are such perfect, happy occasions, right?

Well, not always. The blunt truth is that many of us don’t enjoy the prospect of going to weddings. We attend out of obligation even though it is so anxiety-provoking. Do you really want to deal with the family drama? Why should we use our precious vacation time on a trip to a destination wedding? Should we buy an expensive dress we will never wear again? Why do we have to sit next to our toxic aunt after what she said at Christmas? Who wants to be responsible for our mildly xenophobic elders in a foreign resort? Even if it’s not a destination wedding, weddings are emotional, highly stressful situations for just about everyone attending. But with help from our therapists and a strategy you just might survive the ordeal.

As an anxiety therapist in Oak Brook, IL I am here to tell you that there are a few ways to cope and get the best out of this destination wedding and potential family drama.

Here are some options:

1) You could swallow your pride and focus on the bride and
groom

2) You could embrace the trip as a vacation – one that happens to have a
wedding in the middle

3) You could create the best memories and stories as you
live in the moment

4) You could accept that drama and dysfunction are
inevitable and lean into them

The bride and groom’s big day

Take a moment to think about your feelings for the couple. This desire to be happy for others is a powerful tool that could help you make the most of the wedding. Use the desire to motivate you through the journey, family gatherings, or the wedding itself. Let that inspire you to be the bigger person wherever possible.

Their wedding during your vacation

Don’t forget that the rest of the trip can be all about you. You don’t have to fly out there with everyone else in the family. Do things your way as much as possible without treading on the toes of the bride and groom. Take the time to see more of the destination than just the venue and hotel. Also, buy something to wear that is affordable, something that you feel good in, and you would wear again.

Live in the moment

Make the most of the day for what it is – for better or for worse. Go with the flow of the day. Accentuate the positive moments to create pleasant memories with the few attendees you actually like. Take plenty of photos of the real moments and duck out of the staged, fake family ones.

Accepting the drama

Before the big day, take a moment to plan ahead. Think about what you’re going to wear, who you might see and want to avoid, how to avoid unpleasant conversations, and most importantly how long do you want to stay. Finally, accept the fact that you can’t stop your relatives from creating drama. Acceptance may help you cope when it finally happens. Take a step back and laugh off the ridiculousness of the arguments. Turn the drama over catching the bouquet into a comedic farce.

If you struggle to do all this and it all gets to be too much, make sure to have an exit strategy in place. Get through the ceremony, give the happy couple your regards and slip out the back door. No one will blame you if you fulfill the bare minimum requirements and decide to look after your own
mental health.

What does anxiety look like?

• You may be experiencing panic attacks
• Sweaty palms
• Nervousness
• Racing thoughts
• Increased heart rate
• Having trouble eating
• Feeling nervous, restless, or tense
• Having trouble sleeping

How can Anxiety Therapy in Hinsdale, IL help?

An anxiety therapist in Oak Brook, IL or via anxiety treatment in Illinois can be healing and empowering. Learn more!

Dealing with family can be overwhelming and stressful. You may get anxious with the thought of having to see estranged and opinionated family members. I’m here to tell you that you’re not alone. The best way to address any wedding or family-related anxiety is with the help of a professional. Having a therapist is a great resource to have, no matter the situation, and we can help you develop strategies and coping skills to help you get through the big day. We can be your support system.

Begin Anxiety Treatment in Oak Brook, IL at PsycHealth Services 

Therapy can help you manage the anxiety and stress that weddings come with. It’s important to have a safe space to freely share your emotions.  Our therapy office in Oak Brook, IL has skilled therapists who specialize in anxiety, family, and stress. To start your counseling journey, follow these simple steps:

1. Contact PsycHealth Services
2. Meet with our skilled anxiety therapists
3. Start enjoying life and coping with anxiety in a healthier way

Other Therapy services at PsycHealth Services

At PsycHealth Services, we offer a wide range of Counseling that help couples, parents, teens, and those looking to attain better mental health. Services you may be interested in include therapy for teens, counseling for parents, Therapy for weight management, anxiety treatment, depression counseling, stress therapy, and postpartum depression treatment. Additionally, we offer online therapy and in-person therapy in Hinsdale, IL. Get started today and begin your therapy journey in Oak Brook, Westchester, Hinsdale, Western Springs, Westmont, or anywhere in the state of Illinois.