Divorce – a nightmare for many married couples. It is a kind of thing where you indulge with a person for years or months, and suddenly you both decide to break the relationship and get separated. Such trauma is harmful for many couples and impacts their mental health too.

In this blog, we explore the psychological impact of divorce, how it affects individuals, and the importance of seeking support through Divorce Counselling and Couple Counselling.

“Maldives have the highest rate in the world with 2984 divorces in a population of 540,544 in 2020.”

For Better or Worse: The Psychological Impact of Divorce

Divorce is a life-altering event that brings a mix of emotions, from relief to deep sadness. The dissolution of a marriage not only affects a couple’s relationship but also takes a significant toll on their mental health.

While some individuals find freedom and growth post-divorce, others struggle with feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression. For everyone, it has a different impact – some feel good, whereas for some it is a heavy pain. Those who are having problems dealing with it need to look for Divorce Counselling in India, as it helps them in rebuilding their life after divorce.

There are plenty of reasons for divorces like in India, it is as transforming norms, urbanisation, women empowerment, and awareness of mental health. Did you know that a survey in 2011 shows that divorced people in India were 14 lakh (0.11% of the overall population).

At that time, the divorced men was 4.52 lakh and divorced women exceeded around 9 lakh. This rate spike in 2019 and 2020, the divorce rate among women increased from 0.4% to 0.5%.

Such data shows how the thought process of people impacts the psychological aspects of people.

The Mental Health Effects of Divorce

Divorce impacts the person who is more engaged in the relationship. A 2011 study conducted on 1,786 men and 2,068 women claimed that separation initiated jointly has less severe impact than separation initiated by a partner.

Divorce often feels like a grieving process, as individuals navigate through a series of emotional stages. For the people who are having an adverse effect can go for Couple Counselling – as it enable them to reconnect with the world and get healed from a disastrous aspect of their life.

Denial and Anger are two major effects of divorce

In the early stages, it is common for individuals to refuse to accept the reality of separation. The thought of ending a long-term commitment can be overwhelming, leading to avoidance and emotional numbness.

As reality sets in, anger may arise—either towards a partner, the legal system, or oneself. Resentment can grow, especially if the divorce involves infidelity, financial disputes, or disagreements regarding child custody.

Divorce will make you depressed

One of the most challenging phases is dealing with intense sadness and anxiety. The fear of the unknown and the feeling of failure can lead to emotional distress, affecting day-to-day functioning. During this stage, divorce counselling can play a crucial role in providing the necessary emotional support.

A study conducted in 2015 on 20,000 Norwegian couples stated that people with mental disorders are more likely to get a divorce. If one of the partners is having a mentally distressed situation, then the other might go into the same situation, or if a partner wants it badly, then the other one will go into depression.

Over time, individuals come to terms with the reality of divorce and start focusing on self-growth. They rebuild their lives, rediscover interests, and begin to find happiness again.

For every person, it goes differently. Men and women both have different coping mechanisms, and if any one of them is having a problem, they can go with divorce counselling. Here let’s break down everything:

Effects on Men

Men often experience a sense of isolation post-divorce, as they may struggle to express emotions openly.
They may engage in risky behaviors like excessive drinking or reckless decision-making.
Without emotional support, men are at a higher risk of developing depression and anxiety.
Seeking Divorce Counselling helps them cope with emotions and find healthier ways to adjust to single life.

Effects on Women

Women often experience a loss of self-esteem, especially if they had been financially dependent on their spouse.
They may struggle with stress related to single parenting and financial stability.
Many women experience heightened levels of anxiety, making Couple Counselling beneficial even before a final decision on divorce is made.

Divorce can be a reason for a chronic health condition

While the divorce is a serious aspect and has both positive and negative impacts but the negative side is more disturbing. One study conducted on 8562 people in 2009 between the age group of 51 to 61 years claims that a person who has been divorced can suffer from chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, or cancer, and 23% have trouble in mobility.

The Impact of Divorce on Mental Well-Being

Divorce can trigger depressive symptoms, causing individuals to feel hopeless and disconnected. The emotional strain and uncertainty about the future contribute to heightened anxiety levels.

Many individuals define themselves by their roles in marriage. Divorce can lead to an identity crisis, where self-worth is questioned. This is especially true for those who were in long-term relationships.

The stress of divorce can disrupt sleep patterns and eating habits. Some individuals suffer from insomnia, while others find comfort in overeating or experience a loss of appetite.

So, these are some impacts that lead to divorce on mental well-being. So, as a Divorce Counselor in India, here are a few coping techniques that induce mental stress:

One of the best ways to navigate divorce is by consulting a professional therapist or counselor. Those searching for the Best Divorce Counselling in India can find numerous professionals specializing in emotional healing and guidance.
Divorce can feel isolating, but support groups provide a sense of community. Connecting with others who have gone through similar experiences can be therapeutic.
Prioritizing mental and physical health is essential. Activities such as yoga, meditation, and exercise help release stress and boost emotional well-being.
For couples contemplating divorce, seeking Couple Counselling before making a final decision can be helpful. Therapy provides a space to address unresolved issues and explore whether reconciliation is possible.

Conclusion

Divorce is a challenging and emotionally taxing experience that affects mental health in numerous ways. While the journey is difficult, support systems such as Divorce Counselling, support groups, and therapy can help individuals transition to a healthier emotional state. For those looking for the best divorce counselling in India, finding a skilled professional can make a significant difference in healing and rebuilding life post-divorce.

Remember, while divorce signifies the end of a marriage, it also marks the beginning of a new journey—one where self-love and personal growth take center stage.