A divorce can be tough, especially with mental health issues involved. Here’s what to know about handling mental health issues in divorce.
Handling mental health issues in a divorce involve prioritizing emotional wellbeing. Focusing on building strong support and coping systems is key.
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How Can Mental Health Affect a Divorce?
Mental health issues can affect divorce terms such as property division, alimony, and child custody. For example, a judge may award more alimony to a spouse who will need more support due to mental health issues. Be sure to disclose your full mental health history to your divorce attorney so they can best support you.
Impacts of Divorce
Divorce can affect every aspect of a spouse’s life. The drastic changes in lifestyle divorce can often lead to increased feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. In divorce cases with high tension, these effects only worsen.
Ways to Handle Mental Health During a Divorce
The following strategies can help spouses who struggle with mental health issues in a divorce.
1. Building a support system
Divorce will cause lifestyle changes that can worsen mental health. Having a strong support system can help spouses adjust to their new lifestyle and work through their emotions. A support system may include parents, friends, or even a therapist. Therapists who focus on helping divorcees may be especially helpful. Spouses may also seek out divorce support groups to help build up their support system.
2. Work through your emotions
Divorcing can be a stressful and hectic process. Rather than suppressing the emotions the process brings about, it is important to feel and work through your emotions.
3. Grieve
Feelings of sadness, anger, and frustration are completely normal during a divorce. It is okay to allow yourself to feel these emotions and mourn the loss of your partner. Suppressing these feelings can only worsen mental health issues in a divorce.
4. Focus on yourself
Remember to prioritize yourself and your wellbeing. Practice things that make you happy and calm such as cooking, hiking, or reading. Focusing on yourself will help you prioritize your mental health in a process as stressful as a divorce.
5. Think long-term
Although the divorce process can seem grueling, remember it will not last forever. The divorce process will end and you will be able to refocus your life and find your new “normal.”
Divorcing a Spouse Who Struggles with Mental Health
Divorcing a spouse with mental health issues can also bring along special considerations. Most importantly, you should remember to give them time and space to negotiate the best terms possible for your divorce. Keeping the divorce proceedings as civil as possible will help ease the stress on both you and your spouse.
FAQs About Handling Mental Health in Divorce
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Can mental health issues affect divorce orders?
Yes, a judge may consider mental health issues when awarding divorce orders. For example, when determining child custody or alimony, a judge may factor in a spouse’s ability to care for and support themselves.
Should I worry about divorcing someone who struggles with mental health?
The most important thing to remember when divorcing someone with mental health issues is divorce is a stressful process. Being as compassionate as possible will help both parties through the divorce.
Why is divorce so stressful?
Ending a relationship with a partner is almost always emotional. Divorce is most commonly caused by trauma, financial issues, and infidelity, all of which are stressful and emotional issues.
How will I know if the divorce is affecting my mental illness?
It is important to check in with your own emotions and mental well-being throughout the divorce process. Utilizing your support system will help you keep track of your emotions. If you notice an increase in alarming thoughts or unreasonable amounts of stress, it is okay to ask for help from your support system.
What are some ways to focus on yourself?
Picking up a new hobby is a great way to focus on yourself. Exercising and prioritizing good eating and sleeping habits are also important.
Related: How to Prepare for Divorce As a Stay-At-Home Mom
Contact us
If you or a loved one would like to know more about how to handle mental health issues with divorce, get your free consultation with one of our divorce attorneys today!