Accomplished Attorneys Who Treat You Like Family Call us today

How Can Divorce Impact Mental Health?

Luff Strenfel LLP Oct. 29, 2020

The way that you react to a divorce will depend heavily on the circumstances you face. It may be that you have been in a deeply unhappy marriage for many years and the prospect of divorce makes you feel relieved and excited. However, if you were committed to staying with your spouse and they filed for divorce, you will likely be feeling defeated and distraught.

Whether you believe your divorce is for the better or the worse, it’s important that you keep your mental health in check. The following are some ways in which a divorce could affect your mental health.

You May Experience Depression

It’s easy to fall into a state of depression after a huge life event occurs. You may feel that you have nothing in your life to look forward to or that you are to blame for what has happened. It’s important to remember that these types of thoughts are intrusive ones and only your own perspective. If you feel this way, it is important that you speak to a medical professional and confide in loved ones.

You May Engage in Impulsive Behavior or Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms

Even though you might feel that you are coping well in the aftermath of your breakup, it’s important to reflect on your behaviors and ask yourself whether you are allowing yourself to process everything that is happening. For example, it is common for divorcees to avoid processing the breakup and instead jump into a new relationship. Engaging in partying, impulsive shopping, casual sex and drugs is also common, and you should make sure that these types of behaviors are not negatively impacting your life.

You May Experience Anxiety

Since so much feels out of your control in a divorce, it is common to experience anxiety. This can be treated through therapy or medication.

If you believe that your mental health is suffering due to a stressful divorce, it is important to look into your options to improve your situation.