If you are in the middle of a bitter divorce, you undoubtedly already know just how stressful ending a marriage can be. Indeed, divorce often triggers depression and anxiety. If you do not pay close attention to your mental and emotional well-being, depression and anxiety can quickly spiral out of control.
Even worse, you might develop post-traumatic stress disorder. According to the American Psychiatric Association, PTSD is a psychiatric disorder that stems from a traumatic event. If your spouse is abusive or threatening during your divorce, you may have an elevated probability of developing PTSD.
What are the symptoms of PTSD?
Unlike generalized anxiety, PTSD often comes with specific and unwanted memories of a traumatic event. If you have the condition, though, you are likely to have one or more of the following symptoms:
- Intrusive thoughts, nightmares or flashbacks about your divorce
- A strong impulse to avoid situations that remind you of your divorce
- Altered memories about your divorce or the inability to remember all parts of it
- Drastic changes in your mood or behaviors
Is PTSD treatable?
As you probably suspect, living with PTSD can be extraordinarily challenging. To keep your quality of life from plummeting, it is important to seek an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan. A qualified psychiatrist may recommend cognitive therapy, behavioral therapy or medication to help you cope with the disorder.
Ultimately, if you have divorce-related PTSD, staying on top of your mental health ensures you have the tools to begin the next chapter of your life successfully.
