Dealing With Depression After Divorce
It’s no lie that divorce is one of the most emotional events a person can go through, just behind the death of a loved one. Indeed, a divorce is the death of a marriage. Going through a divorce can be rough, especially after decades of marriage.
Divorce can be especially rough on men. Most divorces are initiated by women, so men are often blindsided by the decision. They are often left struggling to figure out why their marriages are ending. Plus, men often identify themselves by their marital status. When they divorce, they often face an identity crisis.
Many divorced people struggle with depression for many reasons. They experience feelings that stem from a sense of loss, sense of failure, uncertainty about the future, and general sadness. Many people also face financial or familial strain in the wake of divorce. You may feel grief from the loss of your marriage, even though your spouse is still alive.
Depression may feel like emptiness, sadness, and/or the inability to feel joy or happiness. It can happen at any time, from immediately after the divorce to months or years later. Depression can persist for days, weeks, months, years, or even the rest of a person’s life.
How to Handle Depression
There are several ways to deal with depression:
- This involves discussing your feelings with a therapist to discuss your feelings surrounding your divorce. Many therapists specialize in divorce counseling.
- Doctors may prescribe antidepressants or anti-anxiety medication to those struggling with their divorce.
- Lifestyle changes. Positive changes to food, diet, and exercise might help people feel more positive about their lives and help them better adjust to their new lives.
Sometimes getting through divorce takes time. Here are some tips to get over a divorce and avoid depression:
- Seek help from family and friends
- Seek professional support
- Make positive lifestyle changes
- Set new goals
- Make new friends
- Start dating again
Support groups can help you feel as though you are not only. There are many people who have been divorced and feel the same way as you do. Plus, it’s also good for you to meet new people and not feel so isolated.
Be sure to take care of yourself after a divorce. Avoid alcohol and drugs. Substance abuse increases after a divorce. Find better ways to cope. Eat healthy and get a lot of exercise. Moving around will help you feel better.
Do things you enjoy, like reading, spending time with friends, and watching movies. Indulge yourself with bubble baths or massages.
Seek Legal Help
A divorce is a huge life change, and change is hard. Some people get down in the dumps, leading to high levels of anxiety and depression.
Divorce doesn’t have to be scary. Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer Edward J. Jennings, P.A. can help you deal with the aftermath of divorce. There’s a better life waiting for you. You’ll get through it. Fill out the online form or call 954-764-4330 to schedule a consultation.
Source:
medicalnewstoday.com/articles/depression-after-divorce
