Getting Divorced When You Have Depression: A Survival Guide

 Posted on April 18, 2022 in Divorce

Did you know that over seven percent of adults in the United States suffer from major depressive disorder? Depression is extremely common. The illness, marked by persistent low mood, little interest in enjoyable activities, and feelings of worthlessness, is something many people struggle with on a daily basis. Studies show that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has only increased the incidence of depression and anxiety.

If you have depression, you know how deeply it can affect your life. Going through a divorce when you have depression only adds to the difficulty.

Strategies for Divorce When You Suffer from Depression

Divorce is stressful and sad under the best of circumstances. Ending a marriage when you suffer from a serious mental illness like depression can seem impossible. However, it is possible to get through your divorce and move on to a happier post-divorce life.

There is nothing that can make your divorce completely pain-free, however, the following strategies may help:

• Get the help you need – Depression is a very real mental health condition that requires proper treatment. Reach out to a mental health provider who can provide psychological care and support during the divorce. Additionally, work with an experienced divorce lawyer. Your attorney will provide valuable legal advice and support throughout the divorce case. He or she can assist with everything from completing and filing paperwork to negotiating a property division settlement.

• Take care of yourself – Mental health experts explain that self-care is extremely important during major life challenges like divorce. It is important to take care of your body by eating healthy and exercising regularly. It is perhaps even more important to take care of your mind by spending time with people you love and doing things you enjoy.

• Spend time outdoors – Multiple scientific studies show that being outside in nature can lower stress and reduce depression and anxiety. Even if you live in the city, going to a public park or taking a walk around the neighborhood can improve your mood and help decrease your negative feelings.

• Write in a journal – Many mental health professionals suggest writing in a journal or diary can help mitigate depression and anxiety symptoms. You may even want to write an “unsent letter” to your spouse or other important individuals in your life. These are letters that give you the chance to express yourself and gain closure without actually sending the letter to the person.

Contact a Kane County Divorce Lawyer

If you are getting divorced and you suffer from depression, you do not have to go through this by yourself. Contact the highly skilled St. Charles divorce attorneys at Goostree Law Group for help today. Call 630-584-4800 for a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.who.int/news/item/02-03-2022-covid-19-pandemic-triggers-25-increase-in-prevalence-of-anxiety-and-depression-worldwide

https://psychcentral.com/depression/the-five-symptoms-of-depression

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4204431/

https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/depression-and-divorce#management

https://davanticounselling.com/2015/08/06/seven-ways-the-unsent-letter-can-channel-your-anger/