Going through a divorce can feel quite devastating. In many cases, it can take up to several years to adjust to post-divorce life.
During this period, an individual might feel a variety of emotions. Many are more prone to several conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and a number of physical ailments.
When left unaddressed, these conditions can create immense emotional and physical suffering.
Recent studies show that those who go through a major life event, like a divorce, are roughly 2.5 to 9.4 times more likely to experience depression. Compared to individuals who have not experienced a divorce, divorced people report significantly higher levels of anxiety and depression.
Depression and Anxiety
So, how can you tell whether post-divorce feelings have turned into depression or anxiety?
Common Symptoms of Depression
It’s often very hard to determine if you are experiencing depression: Below are a few common signs to be aware of:
- Increased fatigue
- Sleeping problems
- Feelings of sadness and hopelessness
- Difficulty focusing
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Loss of interest in hobbies or activities
- Irritability
- Changes in appetite
- Overwhelming emotions
- Thoughts of suicide
Uncommon Signs of Depression
Sometimes depression isn’t easily noticeable. Here are a few uncommon signs people should be aware of when going through a divorce:
- Anxiety
- Difficulty expressing emotions
- Codependency
- Working too much
- Difficulty making decisions
- Projecting an incongruent positive attitude
- Intrusive thoughts
How Symptoms Differ
The severity of depressive symptoms can range from minor to severe. Symptoms can also manifest in men and women very differently. Women, for instance, frequently experience symptoms like guilt, inadequacy, or sadness.
Men are more likely to become agitated or experience difficulty falling asleep. Men are also more prone than women to start using drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism if they are depressed following a divorce.
What Should You Do if You Think You Are Depressed?
Talk to your doctor as soon as you can. By making a visit with your doctor, you may rule out any underlying medical disorders that could be causing symptoms like disrupted sleep, low energy, and appetite changes.
General practitioners and family practice physicians are prepared to assess and diagnose depression and anxiety due to the frequency of these conditions. Your doctor may inquire about your recent experiences or request that you fill out a questionnaire to get a sense of your symptomatology.
Additionally, your physician might advise you to consult a psychiatrist. If you both determine it is the best course of action, either a medical doctor or a psychiatrist can prescribe medication.
A licensed therapist or clinical psychologist is also qualified to offer a diagnosis. Combining therapy and medication to treat depression is one of the most effective strategies. Your treatment strategy might be influenced by you, your doctor, and your therapist. With all these resources at hand, it will be easier to choose the most effective strategy to start getting better.
How Can Therapy Help With Depression?
Depression is a condition that can be improved. According to experts, depression is now less likely to recur later in life with quick treatment. Depression that is not addressed may persist and worsen.
You can better manage depression with the assistance of a skilled specialist. Help from a supportive, compassionate professional can end the cycle of depression, bringing comfort and a start to a better quality of life.
Getting Help
It’s time for you to get help if your depression is interfering with your daily life or if you start to consider self-harm or suicide. A therapist or another person who is not involved in the problem can assist you. A mental health specialist or certified therapist can be especially beneficial if you are experiencing feelings of guilt or shame.
The most crucial thing to keep in mind is that divorce depression support is there if you need it. Healing from divorce is possible. Get in touch with a trained therapist to help guide you through these troubling times.
Elese Lorentzen
Elese Lorentzen works with adults who’ve experienced childhood trauma, codependence, anxiety, depression, life transitions, and grief. Elese’s approach is influenced by Internal Family Systems, Somatic Experiencing, Family Systems, and Psychodynamics. https://www.eleselorentzen.com/
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