Mental health issues and divorce can often come hand in hand, with arguably, each one affecting each other. Divorce certainly has the potential to impact the emotional well-being of those involved, for example, worrying about how your children will feel during and after a divorce and how you will manage finances causing stress, anxiety and even depression. However, mental health and specific mental illnesses may themselves be a precursor to divorce in some cases. In this article, we look at the ways in which it can play a role in your divorce.
Mental health impact on marriage
Unlike adultery, desertion and unreasonable behaviour which were typically common grounds for divorce under old laws, mental illnesses and disorders were not well-known reasons for divorce. However, those who experience mental health illnesses and their partners can often find that it can be a challenge in their marriage that can ultimately lead to couples separating.
- Addiction can manifest in many different forms, through the overuse of alcohol, drugs or other addictive substances. Problems may arise through a lack of awareness of the problem by the person suffering and not accepting responsibility, potentially causing the other spouse to feel at a loss and alone.
- Anxiety may also contribute to marriage difficulties. When someone is suffering from serious anxiety it can be all-consuming if left untreated. They may need ongoing support from their spouse who may find the task overwhelming and unmanageable when professional help is not sought or available.
- Depression could play a part too as the person experiencing depression may become withdrawn from the world and their partner too. Depression may be expressed in the form of anger too, causing one spouse to fear the other or for the marriage to become very acrimonious.
While the impact of serious mental health conditions may seem obvious, it can often be very difficult to see their impact when you are in a relationship and attribute them as causes for marriage problems. In some cases, mental health problems can exacerbate other problems that may exist in a marriage.
Ways you can help protect your mental health during your divorce
If divorce is the only option, it’s important to make your own mental well-being a priority:
- Ensure you get the basics right by eating and sleeping well and exercising as regularly as you can. While it may seem like a much-needed pacifier when you are going through some of the hurdles and challenges often faced in the process, indulging too much, staying too stagnant and staying up too late will take its toll on your emotional well-being eventually.
- Seeking professional therapy to support you throughout the process from the beginning is a wise decision, especially if your divorce is particularly challenging for whatever reason. Going through a divorce can allow painful memories and past hurts to rise to the surface but a trained counsellor can help guide you and offer invaluable support during and after your divorce.
- Finally, remember to stay connected. It can be easy to retreat and withdraw from social circles as your emotions take over, and while staying off social media may be a good idea to begin with, staying in contact with friends often helps you get things off your chest, talk about your feelings and feel understood, overall, helping to improve your mental health.
Conclusion
The impact of mental health on divorce can be far-reaching and how to manage it effectively will depend on the unique circumstances involved. It’s always worth seeking professional advice for the specific issues you are dealing with whether you are thinking about a divorce or are in the midst of divorce proceedings.
