Can Divorce Cause Depression? Yes! Divorce Can Cause Depression!

Yes, Divorce Can Cause Depression

I see the unexpected abandonment by my husband as a storm.  A category five hurricane that entered my life.  The entire process turned my life, my emotions, my dreams, and the expectations of my future upside down.  

Divorce was probably worse than a storm because, in most cases, in a storm, the damage can be cleared away, and life can return to normal.  That is not the case with divorce.  Yes, you can develop a new normal that can be wonderful, but in the process of divorce, you may not be able to see the light of a new and wonderful life.  All you may see is darkness, no hope, loss of dreams, and a future.

That being said, a large majority of people going through divorce become depressed.  I was one of them, and luckily, I did come through it to reach a better place.  

When my husband left me unexpectedly after 37 years of marriage, I was shocked and confused.  That shock and confusion turned to despair, fear, and depression.  I cried nearly all day, every day; I could not sleep or eat, and my skin literally burned.  I lost weight, from a size 10 to a size 4, in just a few weeks.  I found myself no longer wanting to live.  I later found out I had what is called situational depression.

I spoke with a friend who said that when you are sad for a period of time, you can develop depression.  The sadness can actually change the neurotransmitters in your brain.  She said I needed to get some help.  I did go to my family Dr., and I was given antidepressants.  Over time they did help.

Here is an interesting article on "The number one cause of depression" yep, according to the video, it is divorce.

Many things helped me come out somewhat whole, on the other side of an unwanted divorce.  One was listening to my doctor and taking antidepressants.  I forced myself to go out with friends, vented to everyone who would listen, and journaled and exercised.  I kept my daily routine to the best of my ability.

The primary thing that helped me through was my faith.  In my lifetime, I do believe that is the closest I have felt to God.  My faith became my rock.  I talked to God consistently, I read devotionals and my bible, and I listened to Christain music, and it gave me hope.

If you are going through this horrible trauma and feel yourself sinking deeper into despair, I would say, "don't give up"!  Hold tightly to your faith and your friends,  see a Dr. or a therapist, and over time you will be able to see the light of hope and love again.  I know I have noticed that light. Even though I have been damaged, I am happy and thankful for my life.

I love this video by Tony Evans.  I remember listening to it years ago, and it gave me hope 

and I hope it does the same for you.

God Bless You

KathieyV