(150+)Going through a divorce is difficult. Many people report feeling adverse mental health effects—from depression to anxiety to insomnia to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A study from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that “divorcees report poorer physical and mental health” in the period following the end of the marriage.
Our founding attorney Angela Elliott Frazier understands the importance of divorce and mental health. We know that ending a marriage is very hard—and that depression divorce is something that many people go through. Your emotional well-being matters. Here, our Greenville divorce attorney offers seven tips to help protect your mental health in a divorce in South Carolina.
Divorce Mental Health: Seven Tips to Protect Yourself
1. Try to Find a Collaborative Solution (Reduce Conflict)
Although all divorces can be stressful, high-conflict divorces can be especially hard on a person. A big fight in a divorce may take a real toll on a person’s mental health and emotional well-being. With this in mind, it is often best for divorcing couples to enter the process with good faith intent to try to find a collaborative solution. A divorce that can be settled outside of litigation can save time, save money, and reduce stress. Reducing hostility not only protects your mental well-being but also can help to preserve relationships going forward. That can be particularly valuable for parents.
2. Acknowledge Your Emotions
Divorce is emotional. It is normal to feel sad. It is normal to feel hurt. It is normal to feel angry. Indeed, the end of a marriage can be a rollercoaster of emotions. You do not want to bottle these emotions up. It is crucial to recognize and accept these feelings as a normal part of the grieving process. Suppressing your emotions could potentially result in suffering more severe mental health/ Allow yourself to feel sad, angry, or even relieved. By acknowledging your emotions, you give yourself the permission to heal and move forward.
3. Make Sure Self-Care is a Priority
Too many people put their own self-care on the back burner during the divorce process. You matter. Your mental health is as important as your physical health. Self-care is essential during a divorce—it is not selfish, it is necessary. You should prioritize activities that nourish your body and soul. Of course that starts with the basics, such as eating well, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep. It also includes things that are more personal to you. For example, engaging in hobbies and interests that bring you joy and relaxation can be a form of self-care. The goal is to stabilize your mood and help to boost your life satisfaction.
4. Stay Connected With Loved Ones (Avoid Social Isolation)
Social isolation is bad for a person’s mental health—particularly so when they are going through a traumatic event such as a divorce. Indeed, social isolation can magnify the stress of a divorce. Your family and friends can provide emotional relief. You should try to stay connected with family and friends who uplift and support you. Do not hesitate to share your feelings and experiences with trusted people.
At the same time, you do not have to talk about your divorce or your feelings. You can simply enjoy time with other people.
5. Watch Out for the Common Divorce Stress Symptoms
Are you exhibiting any of the common stress symptoms of a divorce? You need to take immediate action to address your stress. Be vigilant about the symptoms of stress that can arise during a divorce. Some of the most common examples include:
- Anxiety;
- Depression;
- Changes in appetite;
- Poor sleep;
- General irritability;
- Feelings of hopelessness.
Recognizing these signs early can prevent them from escalating into more serious mental health issues. The longer these adverse symptoms last, the more likely you need professional support.
6. Keep Your Focus on the Future
The divorce process should be about setting yourself up for a better future more than just dealing with the issues of the past. It is easy to get caught up in the immediate pain and disruption that a divorce can bring. Focusing on the future can be a powerful way to protect your mental health. Set goals for yourself and envision where you want to be once the process is over.
7. Be Ready to Seek Professional Help
The research is clear: A divorce can be emotionally traumatic. Given the stress that the process can put on a person, you should always be ready to seek professional help to deal with your mental health during a divorce. There is no shame in seeking help from a mental health professional during a divorce. Therapists, counselors, or support groups can provide the tools and strategies to manage your emotions healthily and constructively. Professional guidance can help you understand and process your feelings, deal with the legal and emotional complexities of divorce, and start rebuilding your life. Asking for help is a sign of strength—not weakness.
Angela Elliott Frazier is an Experienced Advocate for South Carolina Divorce Cases
Even for those who know it is the right decision, going through a divorce is hard. It can take a toll on your mental health. It is crucial that you are able to access all of the resources that you need to do right by your side. Our founding attorney Angela Elliott Frazier is prepared to handle all of the legal aspects of your case—from the divorce paperwork to property division to child custody to child support—so that you can focus your energy on healing and moving forward.
Contact Our South Carolina Child Support Attorney Today
At Elliott Frazier — Family, Personal Injury, & Car Accident Attorneys, LLC, our South Carolina divorce lawyer understands the importance of mental health. A divorce is hard—but with the right legal representation is it something that you can get through. Reach out to us by phone or contact us online to arrange your confidential, no-obligation case evaluation. From our office in Greenville, we provide family and divorce representation throughout upstate South Carolina.
