Divorce is a life-changing event that seriously impacts our well-being. Amid moving house, filing paperwork and navigating parental responsibilities, the process can be devastating. So much so that almost three in ten people suffer depression after a divorce.
Whether you’re trying to end your own marriage or supporting a loved one, it’s worth knowing about the strong connection between depression and divorce.
The emotional toll of divorce
Divorce can trigger feelings of grief, sadness, and loneliness.
While some couples apply for a joint divorce on mutual terms, it’s very common for the separation to be triggered by infidelity or serious issues within a partnership.
In turn, negative feelings are incredibly common, which makes the separation process even more complicated and turbulent. Divorce causes stress, major lifestyle changes, and strain on families.
Why is depression more likely after divorce?
After a marriage breaks down, it’s likely that one or both partners will experience a complete change of routine.
Many people focus on their children in the immediate aftermath, leaving their own emotional and physical needs neglected. And even if relations stay amicable between ex-partners, tensions are almost inevitable. Many divorcing couples seek advice from an experienced family solicitor to navigate these difficulties.
Here are just a few of the factors that most commonly trigger depression after a divorce:
- Financial difficulties: Divorce usually changes couples’ financial arrangements. One ex-partner might be left struggling, or in another scenario, there could be an unwillingness to share assets.
- Social isolation: Friendship circles typically include plenty of mutual friends for married couples. When a marriage breaks down, friends and family members may seem to pick sides, leaving one ex-partner feeling lonely, isolated, or unsupported.
- Parenting responsibilities: This applies to both parents, even after making child arrangements. One parent might feel overburdened, for example, while the other overthinks and dwells on their failures as a parent while they were married.
Coping strategies for healing from divorce
Fortunately, despite the unavoidable emotional difficulties often triggered by divorce, there are certain proven ways to alleviate the pain. The most effective strategies will vary according to different individuals, but immediate tactics could include:
- Healing therapies
Seeking therapy as soon as possible after a divorce enables a safe, non-judgemental space to seek emotional support. Therapists help individuals to contextualise their situation and find relief from their symptoms of depression.
- Counselling
Another type of therapy, counselling usually involves talking therapies with the purpose of helping someone solve a particular problem. It’s often prescribed as a more short-term approach then cognitive behavioural therapy, for example.
- Support groups
Group therapies can be transformative for those struggling with the aftermath of divorce. Those struggling may be able to relate to others in a similar situation, sharing stories and emotions in a way that helps them understand their pain from a different perspective.
Signs of depression after a divorce
A few of the symptoms of depression that may appear after a divorce include:
- Feelings of emptiness
- Sadness and finding it difficult to stay positive
- An inability to feel happy
- Isolation from social events or occasions
If you or someone you care about seems to be struggling since their divorce, do not hesitate to seek professional support as soon as possible.
This is a collaborative post
