Couples get divorced under many different circumstances, but the likelihood of divorce may be higher for some groups than others. In this article we’ll examine the link between mental health and divorce.

There are plenty of different reasons why couples get divorced, and everyone’s situation is different. Regardless, research shows that there are common reasons and patterns that can be used to explain divorce.

Experiencing mental health struggles can be exceptionally difficult, equally, it’s often tough to support a partner who has a mental health disorder. If you or your partner experience these problems, you may find you need to seek advice from a divorce solicitor.

In this article, we’re going to discuss divorce and mental health, establishing whether there is a link between the two, and why this might be.

Are Mental Health Issues Associated With A Higher Likelihood Of Divorce?

Yes, according to research from The National Library of Medicine, ‘married individuals with higher levels of distress, alcohol use, or psychiatric disorders are more likely to divorce.’

The study data examined a wide range of mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress, while also examining substance use disorders.

A Frontiers Psychology study confirms a similar association, suggesting that, ‘divorcees report poorer physical and mental health and more symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression and social isolation than the general population.’

Why Are Those With Mental Health Problems More Likely To Get Divorced?

Research from BMC Public Health points to key factors such as social selection and social causation: ‘In social selection it is assumed that mental distress leads to divorce and that mentally distressed people are thus “selected” out of marriage. Social causation posits that divorce leads to mental distress due to the stresses of the transition into divorce and the new status as divorcee.’

While it is important not to stigmatise or to stereotype, there are many reasons why mental health problems can create issues in relationships, depending on the condition and the symptoms. Here are a few examples:

Depression

Those with depression can experience a range of symptoms, including feelings of hopelessness and unhappiness, insomnia, and anxiety. They may withdraw from their loved ones and lose interest in activities. People with severe depression may experience suicidal thoughts, requiring ongoing interventions to keep them safe and improve their health.

It can be tremendously difficult to support a partner with depression. The spouse may find that they are taking on a care giver role, and feeling the strain. Naturally, the condition can cause much tension and distress in relationships.

Anxiety

Many people with anxiety experience a consistent feeling of dread. They may have trouble controlling their worries, and experience panic attacks and trouble sleeping. It is likely that those with anxiety may also have some depressive symptoms.

This type of mental health disorder can affect one’s emotions and ability to function day-to-day. Consequently, relationships may be negativity effected.

Bipolar

This disorder is characterised by depressive episodes and manic episodes. Both episodes can be mild to severe (depending on the person). When in a depressive period, the individual may feel hopeless, empty or worthless.

Manic episodes are instead defined by feeling elated, hyperactive, or self-important. When having a manic episode, the person may do impulsive things, act out of character, or experience delusions or illogical thoughts.

For some people, the disorder can become all-consuming and make it difficult to maintain relationships. Having said this, many find that they can manage the condition well using medication.

Substance Abuse

Suffering from addiction can cause extremely negative consequences in relationships. It can be a struggle whether you are experiencing addiction, or attempting to support a loved one with substance abuse issues.

While substance issues can occur as a standalone problem that harms relationships, it is also closely linked to mental health problems. Those who experience mental health issues are often likely to self-medicate with alcohol or drugs.

How Do Mental Health Issues Affect Divorce?

If one partner has received a mental health diagnosis, this may have a direct impact on the divorce proceedings. For example, when the Courts are making decisions with regard to child living arrangements and financial settlements, they will take mental health issues and or substance misuse issues into consideration.

Whether you are suffering from a mental health problem, or your ex-partner is, it is important that you access the support of a solicitor.

Both parties will require independent and specialist legal advice to protect their interests, and the interests of their children.

The Association Between Divorce And Mental Health

As you can see, studies show that there is a correlation between mental health and divorce. Those who have mental health disorders and/or substance misuse problems are more likely to get divorced compared to those who do not.

Mental health conditions cause a wide variety of symptoms, and many of these can easily cause tension and even abuse in relationships. If you or your partner are experiencing mental health problems while going through a divorce, it is important that you access help.

There are various forms of support available, including mental health services, therapy, support from loved ones, and divorce lawyers who can assist you throughout the divorce process.

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The end of a marriage will probably be one of the most painful and difficult experiences you will ever go through. Even if you’ve known for some time that the relationship is over, it can be a difficult pill to swallow. Take comfort in knowing that you’re not alone: over 90,000 couples went through a divorce in 2018 in the UK, with an average of 12.5 years of marriage.

With all of the emotion at the end of a relationship, it can be difficult to know where to start and, importantly, what to believe about preparing for a divorce. There’s a wealth of information available on divorce, and it can be hard to find out exactly what you need to know.

Your Divorce May Take A While

The idea of a quick divorce is a comforting thought, a swift end to a painful event that means you can move on with your life. Unfortunately, “quickie divorces” aren’t really a thing beyond the tabloid press, and the process usually takes around six months, even if everything is agreed upon and amicable.

In the UK, the idea of a speedy divorce comes from the early stage of proceedings when the decree nisi is issued. This is a legal document that confirms the court’s permission for the divorce to be finalised. It can then take months to be issued a decree absolute and even then, there is a “cooling off” period before finalisation.

Chances are that your divorce will be split into two or three stages, and it’s a good idea to be prepared for it to take time.

Know The Reasons You Can Get Divorced

Some of the biggest misconceptions about divorce come from the reasons you can get divorced. Often you’ll hear “irreconcilable differences” as grounds for divorce, but more often than not, this isn’t a legitimate reason for divorce.

Depending on where you are, you can only use certain legal reasons to justify a divorce. They will usually include variations of:

• Adultery
• Unreasonable behaviour
• Desertion
• Separation

These stipulations are set to change in Autumn 2021 in England and Wales, with “no-blame” divorces being introduced.

It’s also worth checking that you’re eligible to get divorced. There are normally certain criteria needed for a divorce, depending on where you’re based. In the UK, for example, the criteria are:

• You’ve been married for over a year
• Your marriage has permanently broken down
• Your marriage is legally recognised
• The UK is your permanent home (or your spouse’s)

If you’re ineligible for divorce, you may be able to reach a legal separation agreement or annul the marriage in the first year of marriage.

Prepare Yourself For The Cost

The cost of a divorce varies from case to case, but the average cost of a divorce in the UK stands at £14,561. One of the biggest factors in both the time a divorce takes and the amount it will cost is whether the divorce is contested.

An uncontested divorce is one that both parties agree to and that usually means the proceedings will be less complicated and, usually, not as expensive.  Fortunately, 99% of divorce cases in England and Wales are uncontested, which means that the process should be relatively straightforward and usually won’t end up in court.

Have A Solicitor Ready

You would generally assume that you’d need a divorce solicitor or lawyer to get divorced. While that may be the case for many people, there’s usually no legal obligation for either party to use a solicitor to get divorced.

If a couple can reach an agreement about their finances and childcare responsibilities in an uncontested divorce, then there may be no need for legal assistance.

But, divorces are rarely that straightforward. They can quickly become complicated and even more so when there are children, finances and property involved.

In those cases, it’s a good idea to have a knowledgeable divorce or family law solicitor there to handle any complications and get the divorce settled as quickly and painlessly as possible. The cost for a divorce solicitor will vary.

Don’t Fall For Common Misconceptions

Divorce is a topic that many people think they know a lot about. While there are people with solid advice, there are just as many that will innocently tell you falsehoods, believing them to be true.

Here are just a few:

• You will definitely have to go to court
• If you admit fault, you’ll have to pay more
• If you don’t agree to the divorce, there’s nothing they can do
• Children will automatically go with the mother
• If you leave the house, you’re giving it up.

One of the most important things to do when preparing for a divorce is to make sure you’ve done your research and understand how the process works. The laws for divorce are different worldwide, so it’s worth doing some specific research on where you’re based.

*collaborative post

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