What Is Divorce Depression?
Divorce depression is a significant emotional response that can occur before, during, or after the end of a marriage. It goes beyond normal sadness and often manifests as a profound sense of loss, affecting multiple aspects of a person's life, including their sleep patterns, appetite, energy levels, and ability to concentrate. This form of depression often also includes:
- Feelings of grief over the lost relationship
- Anxiety about the future
- Challenges with self-worth and identity, particularly as individuals adjust to their new life circumstances
While divorce depression shares many symptoms with clinical depression, it's specifically triggered by the dissolution of a marriage. The emotional impact can be intensified by practical challenges such as financial changes, co-parenting responsibilities, social circle adjustments, and establishing a new living situation.
Can You Experience Divorce Depression If You File Uncontested?
It is not uncommon for individuals who have undergone a divorce to experience depression Even those who pursue an uncontested divorce can struggle, despite the fact that filing uncontested is easier and allows for forgiveness and collaboration. Recently, some of Hollywood's famous celebrities have opened up and are admitting to their depression after their own divorces. After eleven years of marriage to Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman stated she had undergone a period of depression.
Signs of Divorce Depression
Each individual is unique and may display different signs of depression. Below are some red flags of a potential depression. This is not an extensive list, and a professional should be consulted in order to assess your personal situation. Signs of divorce depression include:
- Appetite and/or weight change
- Loss of interest in sex, work, or hobbies
- Change in sleeping patterns, sleeping more or not being able to fall asleep
- Anger, restlessness, anxious, and/or irritability
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, pessimism, hopelessness, sadness, and helplessness
- Thoughts about death or suicide
- Substance abuse
- Feeling overwhelmed or under tremendous stress
- Difficulty concentrating or focusing
- Health problems such as chronic pain or digestive disorders
How Long Does Divorce Depression Last?
The duration of divorce depression varies significantly from person to person, as healing is a highly individual process. For many people, the most intense symptoms typically last between six months to two years after the divorce is finalized but can last for up to five years. However, some individuals may move through these feelings more quickly, while others might experience symptoms for several years, especially if the marriage was long-term or the divorce was particularly challenging.
Recovery often follows a gradual pattern where the intensity of symptoms lessens over time rather than suddenly disappearing. Many experts reference a general guideline that it takes about one year of healing for every 5-7 years of marriage, though this isn't a strict rule.
How to Get Over Divorce Depression
Below, we outline some suggestions for combating depression, though these are not cures for depression:
- Dive into a new hobby or activity. Each person is going to have that one thing that really helps him/her get their mind off their divorce. Just make sure it's a healthy pastime. This could be anything from video games, reading to swimming, or working on a manual hobby. One person started knitting blankets for the homeless and later turned her skills into a new business.
- Take time to reflect on the good things in your life. Go get yourself a small notebook or journal and start a gratitude list. Each day, write down at least five things you are grateful for. This could be anything from living in a free country to having indoor plumbing. Gratitude can combat divorce depression and help you overcome stress.
- Get moving. Time to roll off the couch and stretch out your body. Start with simple steps; literally, go for a walk. Work up to doing other types of exercises like yoga, tai chi, or swimming. Don't get caught in a black hole of junk food. Remember the saying – You are what you eat. You don't have to run out and become a vegetarian, but think about how you can start making small changes to your meals. Some foods have been reported to specifically combat depression. You can also consult with your doctor or a nutritionist for personalized wellness tips.
- Mediate and develop a mantra. You don't have to be religious to take advantage of finding some time to be still and quiet your mind. Make it a practice to give yourself these five minutes a day to silently meditate. You can meditate in silence or opt to have a mantra that you repeat to yourself like I am loved; I am strong; I will survive. If you are having a hard time being still for five minutes a day find yourself a theme song, like Donna Summer's I will survive and sing it at the top of your lungs.
- Seek professional help. It is important to recognize that experiencing depression during this time is a natural response to a major life transition, and seeking professional support through therapy, support groups, or counseling can be particularly beneficial for developing healthy coping strategies and moving forward. There is no shame in asking for help. If you are physically hurt, you should seek the help of a medical professional. It's OK to ask for a helping hand. It can be especially important to seek help if the condition persists or worsens.
Quick & Easy Online Divorce
Cairns Law Offices offers compassionate counsel to those seeking to file an uncontested divorce online. We understand how emotional getting divorced is and recognize its potential impact on your mental health. Let us help you quickly and efficiently put the process behind you.
Contact us online to get started on your no-fault, uncontested divorce petition today.
