When a couple divorces, both partners’ mental and physical health is considered in various determinations, such as a parenting plan for the couple’s children and how their marital assets are divided.
Mental illnesses like depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety are correlated with an elevated risk of divorce. They can also arise during and after the divorce process because of the stress of going through a divorce. Whether a mental illness was present before your divorce or it appeared later, it is important that you get appropriate treatment for it.
There are a few ways an individual’s mental health issues can impact his or her divorce settlement. One of these is how his or her property is divided. Each partner’s physical and mental health status is considered when dividing a couple’s property, and if one partner has a mental health disorder that impacts his or her ability to work or to manage certain property, this can be considered.
An individual’s mental health status is also considered when developing a parenting plan. Just like with property division, each partner’s physical and mental health is considered when determining an appropriate parenting plan. A parent’s mental health could impact his or her ability to care for the couple’s children, which can lead the court to determine that the children should spend the majority of their time with the other parent.
Getting divorced can also have an impact on an individual’s mental health. In most cases, getting divorced is stressful. An individual might turn to unhealthy coping methods like drinking alcohol and using drugs to manage the stress. He or she might feel anxious, scared, and overall, powerless. This can cause conditions like depression and anxiety to display symptoms in the individual.
Getting divorced can also mean losing one’s health insurance that made it possible for him or her to receive professional help. If you are facing this reality with your divorce, discuss it with your healthcare providers now to determine your options. You might be able to continue receiving treatment at a lower cost based on your income or you could qualify for state-sponsored healthcare coverage. You could also look into nonprofit organizations that help low income individuals receive mental healthcare treatment.
During and after your divorce, make time for yourself and your mental health. Discuss your thoughts and feelings with a counselor or a close friend and when you feel overwhelmed or hopeless, speak out.
Never ignore your mental health issues or refuse to listen to what your mind and body are telling you. Your mental health is as important to your well being as your physical health, and taking care of yourself during and after your divorce is an investment that will serve you in the short and long term. Discuss the legal aspects of your divorce and how they intersect with your mental health state during your free consultation with a divorce lawyer at Women’s Divorce & Family Law Group.
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