PUBLISHER’S NOTE: May is Mental Health Month. I want to thank now former paralegal Kaylyn Hohn for writing this article. We all miss you!
Higher Conflict Divorces Lead To A Worse Decline In Mental Health Issues According To Study. Nearly 25% Of All Ohioans Impacted
For the last 70 years, the month of May has been observed as “Mental Health Month“, and according to the community-based non-profit, Mental Health America, nearly 25% of Ohioans have experienced mental health issues in the last few years.
“Mental Health Month provides an opportunity to increase awareness and understanding of mental illness, and to remind Ohioans that it’s OK not to be OK and it’s OK to ask for help,” said Aimee Shadwich, the RecoveryOhio Director in a press release by the state of Ohio on May 4th of this year.
“It is critical that access to timely and effective care is available to those who need it,” she continued.
Nationwide, about 1 in every 5 Americans will be diagnosed with a mental health condition in any given year, like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, etc. These conditions can affect one’s “emotional, psychological and social well-being” according to Mentalhealth.gov.
Divorce Can Be Emotionally And Physically Taxing On Mental Health
Many factors can contribute to being diagnosed with a mental health condition; stress, in particular, can be a huge trigger for mental health problems. Major life changes, like the process of divorce, can also contribute to a decline in one’s mental health.
“For many, divorce is one of the most stressful life experiences they will endure. Panic attacks, depression, and difficulty sleeping (all of which have profound health impacts as well) are some of the most common mental health issues reported in this population,” said Haley Neidich, LCSW, a Florida-based psychotherapist specializing in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders to Verywellmind.com.
Neidich is referencing a study from 2020 published in Frontiers in Psychology that found that higher conflict divorces lead to a worse decline in mental health, post-decree, or after the divorce is finalized, more so than the lower conflict divorces involved in the study. Regardless of conflict though, divorce was found to be emotionally and physically taxing on all subjects involved in the study.
Divorce Is A Major Transition. The Three Ways To Declutter Negative Thoughts
“Divorce is a major transition, [and] with major transitions comes a change in lifestyle. Transition is such a challenging thing for humans, even in the healthiest of divorces. It makes sense that in this period following divorce there could be symptoms of depression [and] anxiety,” said Adriana Castro, a licensed marriage and family therapist from Rochester, New York to Verywellmind.com.
An article recently posted on this blog offered three ways to “declutter” the negative thoughts that can occur in the time following a divorce, including self-care, spending time with your support system, and seeking professional help. Mental Health America also lended some tips to help cope.
Ways to Cope with Stress and Divorce:
- Recognize that you will experience different emotions.
- Avoid negative conversations with your spouse/former spouse.
- Explore past interests/hobbies, or discover new ones!
If you are struggling with your mental health in any capacity, the State of Ohio operates a free emotional support CareLine (1.800.720.9616) to provide confidential help. You can also use the Crisis Text Line by texting “4HOPE” to 741 741. More information on these and other resources can be found at mha.ohio.gov.
Exerienced, Trusted and Professional Dayton Divorce Lawyers
Our experienced Dayton divorce lawyers at Holzfaster, Cecil, McKnight & Mues can assist you with your divorce or dissolution related issues. To learn more, please go to our website at www.hcmmlaw.com or call us at 937 293-2141. We can schedule an in-person conference or one by phone or Zoom. We look forward to assisting you!
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Attorney Robert “Chip” Mues has been focusing his legal practice throughout Southwest Ohio primarily in divorce and family law matters since 1978. Chip is passionate about family law and has proudly published the Ohio Family Law Blog since 2007. In addition, he is the managing partner of Holzfaster, Cecil, McKnight & Mues. To learn more about him or the law firm, visit the firm’s website at www.hcmmlaw.com. Appointments are available in person, over the phone or by Zoom. Call us at 937 293-2141.
