Divorce and Mental Health: Protecting Your Well-being During Separation

As you step into Mental Health Awareness Month, it's essential to recognize the profound impact that major life transitions, like separation and divorce, can have on your mental well-being. It’s a time to prioritize your emotional and psychological health as you navigate significant changes. Divorce can feel as if it is going to take over your whole life. You feel devastated about everything that is lost and unsure about facing it yourself. You need some help. "What should I do first? Who can I trust to help me?" These are the questions that hit you on day one.

What the Research Says

Divorce can bring significant emotional and psychological challenges. Research indicates that most individuals experience mental health symptoms during and after a divorce, typically needing a year or two to adjust to their new circumstances. These symptoms can include intense anxiety, depression, and general emotional distress.

In fact, studies show that divorced people are 20% more likely to suffer from long-term health problems, such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, or other chronic issues. Moreover, they are also 23% more likely to have trouble with mobility. According to study co-authors Linda J. Waite of the University of Chicago and Mary Elizabeth Hughes of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, these findings underscore the long-term physical and mental health impacts of divorce. If you find yourself struggling with persistent or overwhelming feelings, remember that seeking support is a proactive step toward safeguarding your well-being.

Holistic Approaches to Well-being During Separation

Divorce is a substantial process, and in Washington State, it takes anywhere from 90 days to over a year. Whether you’re the one who is thinking about divorce and wants to move forward with it or the one receiving divorce papers, there’s a lot to navigate. It’s strenuous, emotional, and can be financially draining, making it extra important that you get the right people in your corner. Here are a few holistic strategies for nurturing your mental health throughout this time:

Acknowledge Your Priorities:

Really define all your priorities at the beginning, not just the main thing you don’t want to lose. The fact is, divorce is a process, and you must go through the entire process. You’re going to be involved in negotiating all of it anyway. The more you have defined at the start, the better the process will go.

Create a Vivid Vision:

What do you want your life to look like one year after your divorce? Be specific. What is your life going to look like five years after your divorce? There is no right answer here.

Manage Expectations:

Litigation is not quick. You need to enlist a competent attorney. You’ll have both wins and losses. Not everything changes overnight. Some things will be out of your control.

Seek Support:

Your attorney can listen to you and empathize with you, but they’re not your therapist, and usually, they cost a lot more to talk to than a therapist. You may need additional support to get through this. As with any step in a divorce, an experienced divorce attorney can advise you whether there is any risk to engaging in therapy during divorce.

Practice Self-Care:

Do not give up your exercise. Make sure to eat healthy. Avoid falling into the trap of eating takeout all the time because it is easy and comforting. Find an outlet for your mental wellness by journaling, meditation, yoga, or even a new hobby. Keep trying things until you find something that gives you healthy relief.

Avoid Destructive Habits:

Do not take up bad habits, such as drinking excessively, especially drinking and driving, excessive shopping, gambling, etc. Do not start being late for work. Do not stop going to work.

Calm Your Environment:

Try to make sure your internal and external environments are as calm and quiet as possible. Internally, try to get a good night’s rest, especially before a divorce strategy session with your legal team.

The Role of Legal Support

While this blog emphasizes holistic well-being, understanding your legal rights and options is also crucial. Divorce is not just a personal decision; it’s a legal process. In Washington State, the process begins when one spouse files a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. To learn more about first steps and what to expect, download the first two chapters of The Divorce Navigator by our founding attorney Mackenzie Sorich.

At View Ridge Family Law & Estate Planning, we understand that divorce involves legal complexities. Our experienced family attorneys are here to help you navigate the legal complexities of this process. Whether it’s creating a parenting plan, dividing assets, or simply understanding your options, we provide tailored guidance that prioritizes your needs and goals.

A Path Forward

Remember, the divorce process is temporary. You can get through anything if you know that it is temporary, right? You will get through it. It won’t go on forever, and when it’s done, your spouse’s problems will not be your problems anymore.

For assistance with navigating the legal aspects of separation and divorce, call us at 206-703-0764 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.