{"id":2497,"date":"2021-12-22T09:06:14","date_gmt":"2021-12-22T14:06:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/divorceanswers.com\/?p=2497"},"modified":"2022-07-28T10:07:05","modified_gmt":"2022-07-28T15:07:05","slug":"divorce-depression","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/divorceanswers.com\/divorce-depression\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Overcome Divorce Depression and Emerge Stronger"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The divorce process can be long and arduous, even when both parties agree. It's not uncommon for conflict to arise during the proceedings, which means that you might be in a bad mood for months or even years before your divorce is finalized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The emotional toll of the process may lead to depression after the event, but luckily there are many ways you can get back on your feet and fight through it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, we'll examine some of these approaches so that you can find what works best for you. Everybody is different and there is not a one-size-fits-all solution for every situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Signs of Divorce Depression<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before you start trying to recover from divorce, you must be sure this is what's causing your depression. After all, there are many different reasons you might feel sad or hopeless. However, some of the most common symptoms of divorce depression are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Feeling sad or hopeless for extended periods<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This is more than sadness which comes and goes or lasts for a few days. This is constant despondency and can manifest in physical symptoms such as insomnia, fatigue, or overeating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Having negative thoughts about yourself, your spouse, or the divorce process<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This could manifest itself as wishing you had never gotten married, feeling like you're a terrible person for what happened, or constantly replaying arguments or hurtful comments in your head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Having difficulty focusing on your usual activities, such as work or study<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You may also have trouble getting out of bed in the morning or following through with your plans with friends or family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inability to enjoy life's pleasures, such as going out with friends or playing a fun game<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You might feel like you have no energy or desire to do anything enjoyable and may want to sit around the house watching movies all day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Being unable to sleep properly at night due to racing thoughts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Not sleeping well prevents you from relaxing enough to fall asleep, even if you try taking sleeping pills. <\/strong>Often, you'll find yourself waking up early in the morning and feeling exhausted during your waking hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Feeling irritable, angry, or even aggressive for no apparent reason<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This could manifest as snapping at friends when they're simply trying to comfort you or lashing out due to frustration when things don't go your way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Life Looks Like With Divorce Depression<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Depression after a divorce can be very isolating. You may feel like you're the only one going through this, and no one understands what you're feeling. This can make it challenging to socialize or spend time around other people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, you may find that your usual coping mechanisms no longer work. You might have turned to alcohol or drugs in the past to help you deal with difficult emotions, but now that you're depressed, they may only serve to aggravate the problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5 Stages of Grief<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Some people believe that divorce depression is a form of grief. They also think that figuring out what stage you're in may help you move on from the situation. Psychiatrist Elisabeth K\u00fcbler-Ross<\/a> initially established these stages, describing how someone might feel when they come to terms with the death of a loved one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Denial:<\/strong> You refuse to believe that this is real or happening and may even convince yourself that it's a terrible nightmare you'll wake up from at any moment.<\/li>
  2. Anger:<\/strong> You feel anger towards your former spouse for what they did and those who supported the divorce, such as mutual friends or relatives. This anger can often be directed at yourself as well.<\/li>
  3. Bargaining: <\/strong>You make deals with yourself or a higher power to try and avoid the pain of the divorce. This might involve promising to never speak to your former spouse again or swearing that you'll be a better person if only you're given another chance.<\/li>
  4. Depression:<\/strong> You feel like life isn't worth living, so you're in this situation, to begin with. You might feel like your life is over, and there's no reason to go on. This can also present itself as intense sadness or feelings of emptiness instead of despair.<\/li>
  5. Acceptance:<\/strong> At some point, you accept the divorce for what it is and start to move forward with your life. You can still have good and bad days here, but it's usually toward the beginning of this stage when you'll feel most depressed.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Before Getting a Divorce<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Getting a divorce is not something that anyone would ever want to do. However, if you're considering it, then there are steps you can take beforehand to decrease the odds of developing depression after the fact dramatically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    For example, many people who split up will continue spending time together even though they shouldn't. While this might be difficult in the short term, it will make the eventual separation easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It's also essential to take care of yourself during this time \u2013 exercise, eat well, and get plenty of sleep. Finally, be sure to talk to someone about how you're feeling. This could be a therapist, friend, or even a support group specifically for those experiencing divorce depression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Read More:<\/strong> How To Get a Divorce In YOUR State<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    During a Divorce<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    You're going to experience a wide range of emotions<\/a> during a divorce. This is entirely normal, but you need to ensure that you take good care of yourself. Make sure you exercise, eat right (or as well as possible given the circumstances), and get plenty of sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Finally, it's essential to be open with those around you about what you're experiencing. If you need to take some time away from your friends and family, make sure they know that this is nothing against them personally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    After a Divorce<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The most important thing to remember after a divorce is that it's not the end of the world. You will get through this, and you will be okay. It might take some time, but you will find happiness again. In the meantime, here are some things that may help:<\/p>\n\n\n\n