A divorce can shake your reality and sense of stability to its core. In addition to the emotional and financial distress that comes with such a major life event, there are many ways that a divorce can impact your overall mental health. After all, you’re losing a shared life with a partner that you planned to spend the rest of your life with. This can be emotionally devastating to anyone, even if you initiated the divorce on your end. 

Today, we offer a quick examination on the various ways that a divorce can negatively impact your mental health and well-being.

General Sense of Emotional Distress

Divorce can shatter your sense of who you are, and it carries with it a storm of strong emotions. It’s not uncommon for people to feel anger, rage, frustration, and rapid mood swings. One moment you might feel as if you can’t go on without the ex, the next you might feel relief and hope for the future. 

It’s difficult to control these emotions, especially early on. That said, it’s important for you to be aware of these emotions and to acknowledge them. Likewise, when things get too overwhelming, it’s important to have close friends or family members you can talk to and rely on.

Depression and Isolation

The end of a marriage, or any serious relationship, can completely change your social landscape. You may no longer have access to or hang out with people who you considered to be very close friends. In addition, going to events without a partner or simply by yourself can be difficult and intimidating, which can further drive you to isolating yourself socially. 

Unfortunately, isolation during such a difficult time can heighten mental health issues and further cause you to fall into a pit of self-pity and despair. It might be hard at first, but it’s important that you force yourself to try and socialize, whether with close trusted friends or in general with larger crowds.  

Self-Esteem Issues

A divorce can redefine the way you see yourself. After a relationship ends, many people doubt their self-worth, their attractiveness, and their ability to find another partner given the current sense of failure. This is a tough hill to climb out of initially, but it gets easier. Some of the best strategies for coping with this include getting into hobbies you are passionate about, regular exercise, setting and achieving goals no matter how small, and deliberate attempts to get out there and connect with others.

Talk to a Family Law Attorney Today

At the White Oak Law, our experienced attorneys understand the many emotional as well as legal challenges that someone endures when dealing with a divorce in CA. We work compassionately and proactively to help our clients navigate a variety of family law issues in CA. 

If you’re working through a CA divorce, custody issues, disputes involving asset division, or any other matter involving family law in California, know that you are not alone. Call our offices at the White Oak Law today at 925-271-0999 to speak with one of our legal professionals. 

We’ll take the time to learn about your specific legal needs and detail exactly how our legal pros can help. Call us today to schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience.