5 ways divorce can affect your physical health

 Posted on March 28, 2017 in Divorce

The process of ending a marriage is never fun. Whether you are amicable or angry throughout the process, most people experience negative effects of divorce on their emotional, mental and physical health. While you and your ex are focused on separating and perhaps making the divorce easier on children, you may not notice the physical effects that divorce can have on you.

1. Increased rates of chronic diseases

Research shows that those who have made it through a divorce intact are also more likely to develop chronic conditions, like diabetes and heart disease, and deal with mobility issues as they get older. Taking care of yourself both emotionally and physically during a divorce may keep your heart healthier, ensuring you live a long, happy life.

2. Weight loss or gain

People handle emotional situations differently, and some people turn to food in times of stress. Comfort foods can help to soothe your emotions. Or you may lose your appetite completely when you are emotional and stressed. Either way, drastic changes to your weight can take a toll on your mental health, your energy levels and your overall physical health.

3. Anxiety and depression

After going through life with someone to help you make decisions, you now face an uncertain future that can cause great anxiety. Thoughts of getting your own home, getting a new job or maintaining two households can be overwhelming. Increased amounts of anxiety are common during divorce, as are feelings of sadness. In some cases, people experience clinical depression as well. It is important to get medical help if you are having difficulty with depression or anxiety.

4. Insomnia

Emotional changes in your life can wreak havoc on your sleep schedule. Some people have problems falling asleep, and others struggle to get out of bed in the morning during a divorce. Insomnia is also a common symptom of depression and anxiety and can quickly make them worse. If you are not sleeping and taking care of yourself, you become run down quickly and cannot take care of anyone else.

5. Drug and alcohol abuse

Trying to work through the painful emotions and uncertain feelings that come from divorce, some people turn to alcohol and drugs to temporarily numb the pain. The problem with this is that using substances to control emotion may lead to an addiction.

Lessen your stress during divorce

Mediation is a valuable option when it comes to ending a marriage and can greatly decrease your stress as you start a new life. Consider speaking to a family law mediator today.