Yes, Divorce Can Cause Depression — Here’s How to Cope

Divorce is a major life change that can have a substantial impact on a person’s physical and mental health — triggering depression in some.

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Divorce is a life-altering event that can have profound effects on both physical and mental health. One of the most significant impacts can be an increased risk of depression, especially in the immediate wake of a separation, research shows. While general depression and “divorce depression” share common symptoms, the latter is uniquely intensified by factors specific to the divorce process.

While post-divorce depression can be serious, it is also manageable. Understanding its unique characteristics and seeking the right support can help people move forward, heal, and ultimately reclaim a sense of personal well-being. Read on to learn more. 

How does divorce contribute to depression?

Depression after divorce can happen for a number of reasons. These may include the following:

1. Psychological stress 

According to the Holmes-Rahe Life Stress Inventory, “marital separation” is ranked as the third most stressful life event. Psychological stress is a major contributor to depression. Research consistently shows that divorce can trigger both acute (e.g., stressful legal proceedings, splitting assets) and chronic (e.g., financial strain, long-term impact on children) psychological stressors, increasing the likelihood of persistent depressive symptoms. Furthermore, infidelity, domestic abuse, and substance use are among the top contributors to divorce, all of which can have a highly traumatic impact on a person’s mental health. 

2. Lifestyle change

Divorce often leads to significant changes in daily life, bringing new challenges that can be difficult to manage and cause mental distress. Adjusting to new or changing responsibilities can be incredibly daunting and create a high-stress environment, especially when children are involved. 

3. Financial difficulty

Financial difficulties are a leading cause of divorce, research shows. Furthermore, the cost of divorce proceedings themselves – legal fees, child support, and living on a single income — can create financial stress, which data shows is closely linked to depression. 

4. Familial strain

Divorce can also affect family members outside of the couple. Children may struggle with the change, leading to strained relationships and possible depression. Custody battles can add even more stress to the situation, in addition to the difficulty of navigating the emotions of a divorced parent.

Symptoms of divorce depression

Divorce depression can manifest in various ways, both emotionally and physically, and can vary in intensity depending on the individual and the circumstances surrounding the divorce. While some symptoms you are feeling may overlap with general depression, others are specifically linked to the emotional aftermath of a relationship ending. Here are some common signs to look out for:

• Persistent sadness or empty feelings
• Guilt or self-blame (depending on how the relationship ended)
• Isolation, withdrawal, or loneliness from the community shared with ex-partner

• Changes in sleep patterns and energy levels
• Emotional turmoil
• Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities (often those shared with ex-partner)

In severe cases of divorce depression, feelings of hopelessness may lead to thoughts about death or self-harm. Suicidal ideation, though not common, can be a serious warning sign of deep depression and requires immediate intervention. If you or a loved one are experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide following a divorce, this is a mental health emergency. Contact The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 24/7 by calling or texting 988.

How to cope with depression after divorce

Divorce depression, while normal in some capacity, can become debilitating if left untreated. If you are experiencing several of the aforementioned symptoms for an extended period, or if they are interfering with your ability to function in daily life, it’s important to seek professional help. Remember that recovery from divorce depression is a process, and it’s okay to seek help in order to start feeling like yourself again.

1. Mental health therapy

Talking to a therapist can be very helpful for dealing with the emotions that come with divorce. Mental health therapy provides a safe space to talk about your feelings, process grief, and learn coping strategies. Therapists who specialize in divorce counseling can guide you through this difficult time and help you develop healthier ways of thinking and dealing with stress. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common type of mental health therapy that can help you manage negative thoughts and improve your mood.

2. Medication

In some cases, medication can help ease the mental health symptoms of depression. Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications may be prescribed to help lift your mood and reduce feelings of sadness or anxiety. Medication can be especially useful if your depression is severe or not improving with other treatments. A doctor can help you decide if medication is right for you and monitor its effects.

3. Support systems

Having support from friends, family, or a support group can make a big difference. While divorce can be an incredibly isolating experience, group therapy provides a supportive environment where people can connect with others going through similar struggles with their mental health. It’s a space where divorcees can share their experiences, gain emotional support, and learn valuable coping strategies.

4. Mindfulness and meditation

Practicing mindfulness, such as meditation or deep breathing exercises, can do wonders for your mental health, reducing stress levels and improving your mood. These practices help you focus on the present moment and can bring calm and clarity during tough times.

How Charlie Health Can Help With Divorce Depression

If you or a loved one are struggling with divorce depression, Charlie Health is here to help. Charlie Health’s virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) provides more than once-weekly mental health treatment for dealing with serious mental health conditions, including divorce depression. Our expert clinicians incorporate evidence-based therapies into individual counseling, family therapy, and group sessions. With treatment, managing divorce depression is possible. Fill out the form below or give us a call to start healing today.