The end of a marriage is a time of great emotional turmoil, which is termed “divorce depression” in medical books, and the parting couple might feel angry, sad, bitter, anxious, and heartbroken. The Pioneer’s SHIKHA DUGGAL speaks to experts and brings to you a detailed analysis on divorce depression and how to combat the same.
In recent times, divorce rates have gone up. Now, from a layman’s point of view, we always try to dig into the root of divorces, especially if they are our favorite stars, but never on how it’s taking a serious toll on them. Gentlemen and ladies, the end of a marriage is a time of great emotional turmoil, which is termed “divorce depression” in medical books, and they might feel angry, sad, bitter, anxious, and heartbroken.
“Divorce is defined as the socially and legally recognised dissolution of a matrimonial relationship that modifies the rights and obligations of the two parties involved. It is also a significant shift in life with far-reaching social, psychological, legal, private, and individual repercussions. The worst event for a person that causes an emotional setback is undoubtedly a breakup in a relationship. Divorce has an impact on the mental health indicators of despair, rage, low self-esteem, and anxiety. Most couples find it difficult to accept their separation or divorce, both emotionally and practically, especially when there are children involved,” shared Dr. Urmila Yadav, an associate professor at a university. Conflicts between people are being sparked by a variety of psychological and emotional disorders, including anxiety, frustration, wrath, and others. These are the stressors that drive people who are married to one another to choose different paths.
The professor further added, “When a couple transitions to a new marital status after divorcing, anxiety and despair are frequently present in both women and men. Some studies suggest that women may be psychologically more susceptible than men to a change in marital status, while other studies show that men experience divorce as a more devastating event. Divorce’s negative impacts on health can manifest not only as emotional suffering but also as behavioral changes that put both physical and mental wellbeing at risk. One of the main effects of divorce is the emergence of common mental health illnesses and co-occurring diseases like eating disorders and substance abuse. People going through a divorce due to a cheating spouse may get unhappy and overeat or undereat as a result of feeling unattractive, dumb, or inadequate. Parental divorce is believed to be a cause of behavioral and emotional problems in children and adolescents.”
After a divorce, it can be extremely challenging to know how to communicate with your children, which can even worsen depression. People in a family system go through an adjustment period during the transition of divorce, which can be a terrible life event.
A senior psychiatrist at Manasthali by the name of Dr. Jyoti Kapoor said, “The sudden absence of a spouse can lead to intense feelings of loneliness and isolation. Social circles may change, leading to a sense of disconnection from friends and family. It can have significant financial consequences, including legal fees, the division of assets, and potentially reduced income for both partners. Adjusting to a new financial reality can be daunting! It can also shatter one’s sense of identity, particularly if they define themselves primarily as a spouse and parent. Rediscovering one’s identity can be a long and challenging process. In some cases, individuals going through a particularly acrimonious divorce may develop symptoms resembling post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Repeated exposure to conflict and emotional turmoil can lead to flashbacks, hypervigilance, and other PTSD-like symptoms.”
Divorce counseling, often referred to as divorce therapy or divorce mediation, is a specialised form of counseling aimed at helping individuals and couples navigate the complex emotional and practical challenges that arise during and after divorce. This type of counseling offers valuable support and guidance to facilitate a healthier, more constructive separation process. Divorce is emotionally taxing, and counseling provides a safe space for individuals to express their feelings related to the divorce. Couples going through divorce often struggle with communication. Divorce counseling can facilitate more respectful communication, which is especially important when children are involved. For parents, divorce counseling can offer strategies for co-parenting effectively.
Rohini Kesavan Rajeev, another senior psychotherapist from The Able Mind, suggested, “Divorce frequently results in a considerable loss. It’s crucial to give oneself space to mourn and to deal with the associated feelings, such as sadness, anger, and even relief. It’s normal to feel conflicted. Think about consulting a mental health professional who specialises in relationships, marital conflict management, and divorce recovery. You can get helpful tools to deal with the emotional and practical effects of divorce from professional counseling. Rely on your friends and family. Make connections with people who will understand your circumstances and be patient, non-judgemental, and understanding. Staying connected is essential since isolation can make divorce more emotionally taxing. Prioritise self-care by concentrating on your physical and emotional well-being. Eat healthy, exercise frequently, get enough sleep, and take part in enjoyable and relaxing activities.”
