Significant life events, like a divorce, often correlate with mental health challenges. Spouses and kids of divorce can both experience downturns in their mental health during a divorce, though they may manifest in different ways. Taking steps to preserve and boost your mental health can be helpful at almost any point in your life, but doing so may be especially important if divorce hits close to home.
Statistics Surrounding Mental Health
As the stigma surrounding mental illness slowly subsides, it has become apparent just how common it is in the U.S. More than one-in-five U.S. adults experience symptoms of a mental health condition every year. The prevalence is almost as high for children aged six to 17, with one in six exhibiting symptoms. Just over half of all adults in the LGBTQ+ community live with a mental health condition.
Emotions You Might Feel During a Divorce
No two people process divorce the same way, but many spouses encounter the following emotions:
- Sadness or grief. Even though you’re divorcing your spouse because it’s the right thing to do, losing your life partner may still cause you sadness. Those who experience depressive episodes may be more likely to experience one during or right after a divorce.
- Stress or anxiety. Filing for divorce may seem like it just leads to another life obligation on top of your existing obligations. A skilled Texas divorce attorney can help lessen the emotional (and logistical) load, but stress over the legal process and an uncertain future can still make life seem challenging and overwhelming.
- Intrusive thoughts. One does not have to be diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) to experience intrusive thoughts. These thoughts, which are often negative in nature, can take control of a person’s life. Intrusive thoughts after a divorce filing might include worries about one’s self-image.
Signs Your Kids’ Mental Health Might be Suffering
Children of divorce are more likely to show symptoms of mental health conditions and develop a mental illness. The changing family dynamic can make younger kids anxious. Older kids are more likely to become angry at one or both parents.
Sometimes, children of divorce need the help of mental health professionals. Consider seeking help if one of your kids starts misbehaving at school or home. A downturn in academic performance may also be a sign that your child could benefit from therapy or other mental health treatments. Reassuring your children that the divorce is not their fault and that both parents still love them is always a good practice.
Potentially Helpful Mental Health Resources
Don’t hesitate to try talk therapy, either individually or with family, if you are struggling to cope with your divorce. You can work with your therapist to develop strategies for managing stress and other uncomfortable emotions that may arise.
Exercise has also been shown to help reduce symptoms of mental health conditions and improve physical health. If you didn’t regularly exercise before your divorce, consider taking it up as a new hobby. Diving into activities you might not have done while you were married may help you settle into your new life. Taking care of yourself by eating healthy and sleeping well is also important.
How a Lawyer Can Help
To our firm, you’re not just a case number. You’re a person who may be experiencing a significant amount of stress and heartache. Great legal teams go above and beyond for their clients by comforting them at every opportunity. There might be times when you need help from a licensed counselor or divorce coach, and we can usually help with such arrangements.
Contact our caring and experienced law firm today to put your case in good hands.
Divorce Wise™
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