What To Know About Post-Divorce Depression

Depression is something that can come about at any time. It can affect people of all walks of life and come about after a life-changing event, such as a divorce.

No matter how long you were married — whether it was one year, a decade, 30 years, 40 years, or longer — you’re bound to feel some degree of sadness after your marriage ends.

Actress Kaley Cuoco filed for divorce from her husband, Karl Cook, in September 2021. The divorce was finalized in June 2022. The couple was married for three years.

Cuoco recently admitted that dealing with the divorce was the hardest year of her life. While going through her divorce, she started a new series called “The Flight Attendant.” She struggled a lot and decided to start therapy for the first time in her life.

Cuoco’s depression became so severe that she developed physical problems. She developed a stress rash that went down her leg. For three months, she could barely walk. She staged an intervention on herself and got the help she needed for her post-divorce depression.

Even if you’re not a celebrity, you can develop depression from your divorce. After a death, divorce is the hardest event a person can go through. A person who goes through a divorce has as much as a nine times higher risk of developing depression.

You may feel sad about your divorce, but are you depressed? Here are the telltale signs of depression:

• Feelings of sadness that won’t go away
• Crying more often
• Loss of interest in favorite activities
• Feelings of being overwhelmed
• Inability to focus
• Sleep problems
• Changes in appetite
• Thoughts of suicide

Surviving a Divorce

Don’t compare your divorce to others. Take your time and get through it at your own pace. Here are some ways to survive a divorce:

• Join a support group. A support group allows you to spend time with others who have also gone through a divorce. Such a group can provide you with the comfort that you are not alone.
• Get moving. Physical activity can help you work through your emotions so you feel better about yourself. Exercise releases endorphins that make you happier, so get moving. Go to the gym, go for a run, or join a team sport.
• You don’t want to stay cooped up in your home. Getting out and spending time with friends and family can help boost your mood. Even meeting people for coffee or a meal a few times a month can help ward off feelings of isolation.

Contact a Maryland Family Law Attorney Today

For many people, divorce can bring about relief. For others, it can be a devastating experience that can lead to depression for many months or even years.

Need help? See how a Columbia divorce lawyer from The Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, P.A. can help you move on after a divorce. Call (410) 774-5987 or fill out the online form to schedule a consultation.

Sources:

psychcentral.com/depression/ways-to-beat-depression-after-a-divorce

foxnews.com/entertainment/kaley-cuoco-reflects-super-dark-time-karl-cook-divorce-intervention