Going through a divorce is depressing for many people. Their hopes for the future may have to be set aside because their spouse doesn’t want to be together anymore or because they’ve realized that their goals are misaligned.
If you are feeling down because of your divorce, it’s important for you to have a plan and to get the support you need. Your divorce requires you to make some important decisions, and feeling this way could color the way you view and approach those issues.
Depression can hurt your divorce case
It is unfortunately the case that depression could hurt your divorce case by causing you to avoid talking to others or ignore important legal documents you’ve received.
It’s important for you to know that you do need to respond to calls from your attorney or to discuss new documents you’ve received. If you’re finding this overwhelming, something that may help is setting side one or two days a week where you have time to go through those documents or return those calls. Compartmentalizing the divorce in this way may help you reduce your stress and focus on what has to be done.
Depression during your divorce may cause you to:
- Have trouble concentrating
- Feel hopeless or pessimistic
- Be irritable or angry
- Struggling with insomnia
- Lose interest in your hobbies or other things you enjoy
If you are starting to have these feelings, know that it is possible to see a therapist or to talk to someone about your feelings. They are valid, and you deserve support as you work through this major change in your life.
You can move forward with a plan for the future
It’s necessary to keep the divorce in perspective. With the right plan for getting through the breakdown of your marriage, negotiations and other aspects of divorce, you can come out on the other side in a good position where you’re able to move forward and start anew. While this can be an upsetting time in your life, good support and a positive approach may help you emerge from the divorce with all you need to live well as a single person.
