Is It Normal to Feel Depressed After A Divorce?
The stereotype of divorce is not exactly pleasant. In plenty of cases, this reputation is well-earned. But even when things are amicable, ending a marriage is one of the most stressful events in anyone’s life. It involves conflict, grief, and loss. There are many logistics, and if kids are involved, things get exponentially more complicated.
To simplify, thanks to an elevated stress level, the likelihood of depression is high in a situation like this. Also, since divorce rarely arises out of nowhere, you might have struggling with depression for a while. To prevent situational depression from getting worse, you’ll need to learn more and ask for help.
Is It Normal to Feel Depressed After A Divorce?
On some level, yes. As mentioned above, a lot is going on. The tricky part is identifying the signs to recognize the need for help. Even though you might not be dealing with full-blown clinical depression, the symptoms will often be similar. With all that in mind, here are some red flags to make sure you do not miss:
Feelings of sadness
An inability to focus or concentrate.
Dissociation
Crying spells
A desire to self-isolate and avoid social contact
Losing interest in activities you typically enjoy
Sleeping more but still feeling extremely tired
Angry, disproportionate outbursts
Appetite changes
Ruminating on thoughts of self-harm.
Suicidal ideation
Remember, this can be the case even when you want to get divorced. Some folks experience genuine relief when given the freedom to move on. They’re still undergoing a major change and must not underestimate the potential fallout. Thus, the suggestions listed below are generally good for anyone navigating such a scenario.
What Should You Do If You Feel Depressed After A Divorce?
Embrace Acceptance
Even though divorce is common, some social stigma remains. Hence, divorced people — especially men — may act as if all is fine. A more productive choice would be acceptance. Some mixed emotions are bouncing around your brain and need to be acknowledged. It makes a huge difference to talk with trusted loved ones. Also, support groups have been found to offer solace and camaraderie. So, don’t hold it in and/or withdraw. Socialize even when you think you’d rather not.
Create New Routines and Goals
Your life is shifting in major ways. Without some intentionality, you can fall into some unhealthy habits and patterns. Be proactive about the routines in your life and prioritize those that support your well-being. In addition, use this time of change to try something new; try a few new things.
Actively Seek Out Happiness
Depression has a much harder time gaining a stronghold when you put joy on your schedule. Define for yourself what makes you happy in big and small ways. Decide to do some of these things daily. Don’t leave anything to chance. Put it on your schedule.
Practice Self-Care
The most reliable, universal antidote to stress is self-care. Here are three reasons why:
Daily self-care rituals give you a sense of control and add structure to your life
Self-care is a reminder that you are worth the effort and deserve to feel good
Your self-care regimen develops resilience that serves as a bulwark against the insidious depressive mindset
So, to get yourself started, engage in physical activity every day, make healthy eating and drinking choices, settle into a regular sleep pattern, and cultivate relaxation techniques.
Don’t Shrug Off the Symptoms
Divorce is near the top of the list when it comes to stressful events. If you don’t like how you’re feeling in its aftermath, you must talk with a professional. Reach out to us to learn more about depression therapy or life transitions therapy.