Mental HealthHow Can Divorce Impact Physical and Mental Health?

In this article, we’ll be exploring some of the ways in which a divorce can impact our physical and mental health…

Divorce can take a toll on both your body and mind. It’s a major life event that can mess with your physical and emotional health in big ways. From wrangles over a divorce financial settlement to battles over child custody, a divorce can have a big impact. In this article, we’ll be looking at how divorce can impact our physical and mental health.

The Impact of Divorce on Health

While some divorces are relatively quick and easy, others can be acrimonious and can drag on for months and even years. In this article, we’re going to be looking at the very real health impacts of a divorce.

Missing Sleep

Any kind of stress tends to mean that we have difficulty switching off our brains at night which can lead to broken sleep and even insomnia. While we all have the occasional sleepless night, going without sleep for a prolonged period of time can lead to some fairly serious health issues.

Sleep problems during and after your divorce will usually be temporary and may be alleviated through gentle exercises like yoga and herbal remedies such as chamomile. However, should the problem persist, it’s always a good idea to consult with your GP.

Alcohol and Substance Abuse

When experiencing life-altering events, some people may find themselves self-medicating to cope with grief. However, illicit drugs and alcohol are never a solution and can in fact, magnify these issues. For example, excessive consumption of alcohol can lead to addiction, feelings of paranoia and depression and damage to the liver and other vital organs.

If you’re struggling, try switching to lower alcohol alternatives or replacing drinking with a healthier habit. However, if you feel that your drinking is getting out of hand, it’s important to seek help from your GP and your local council. Consider getting into a treatment program with known recovery professionals, such as a residential substance abuse treatment program.

Depression

Divorce can bring with it feelings of isolation and a corrosion of self-esteem which can spiral into depression. Because of this, it’s important to practice self-care during this time and to lean on friends and family for support. If you feel that depression is beginning to take over your life, you should always speak to your doctor or GP who will be able to prescribe therapy or medication to help you through this time.

Anxiety

Following a divorce or separation, there will often be lifestyle changes, including financial changes or relocation. These big changes can lead to heightened levels of anxiety and can be particularly distressing when children are involved as you may need to help them readjust to new surroundings.

Managing anxiety after a divorce involves acknowledging and processing the emotions, seeking support from friends and professionals, and engaging in self-care practices to promote healing and emotional well-being.

Looking After Yourself After a Divorce

Sometimes, divorce can forcefully uproot you from the life you’ve known, thrusting you into a realm of sorrow and ambiguity, making it unsurprising that its aftermath can profoundly affect your physical and mental well-being, or even both.

For many people, these things will be temporary and will dissipate naturally as you get used to your new life but for others, they can become a little more serious. Always turn to friends and family for support during your divorce and, if you feel that you’re not coping as well as you might, never be afraid to seek professional help.