Divorce Stress Syndrome Following an Annapolis Divorce

All About Divorce Stress Syndrome During an Annapolis Divorce

Divorce is one of the most difficult experiences of a person’s life. After all, you became married because you thought this person was who you would spend the rest of your life with. Your spouse was who you shared a home with and created a life with that may have included children. Your hopes and dreams depended on this person, and now that part of your life is over.

To say that divorce is stressful is an understatement. Many who go through divorce compare it to a death. The separation can cause those involved to feel a variety of emotions, including anger, grief, despair, loneliness and hopelessness.

Some may even experience Divorce Stress Syndrome — a condition that many develop because of the emotional affects of their divorce. Here, our divorce lawyer Frank Gray discusses the syndrome and offers ways to cope.

About Divorce Stress Syndrome

Divorce stress syndrome is comparable to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Also called PTSD, this condition affects people who have gone through harrowing experiences. For instance, soldiers returning home from war are often plagued with this condition.

PTSD is a relentless and severe anxiety disorder that causes extreme psychological trauma. Your body and mind can only take so much stress, and when it has reached its limit, you can experience PTSD. High-conflict divorces, or those that are drawn out, intense and are extremely trying, can also cause PTSD.

Divorce stress syndrome is often considered a branch of PTSD and those who suffer from it experience some of the same symptoms.

Divorce Stress Syndrome Symptoms

Typical symptoms of a divorce include sleeplessness, worry, anger, sadness and grief. However, those who suffer from Divorce Stress Syndrome experience feelings and physical ailments that are even more intense.

Panic and anxiety attacks are common in those who suffer from the condition. Such attacks can cause dizziness and an overwhelming feeling of terror. It may cause you to have problems breathing or create a feeling of someone pushing down on your chest.

You may become irrationally fearful and unable to move. These attacks are often quite severe and can also cause chest pains, causing some to believe they are having heart problems.

Not wanting to eat or even leave the home is common in those with the disorder. Dramatic weight loss is a sign of the condition, as is not going to work or showing up for social engagements.

Physical symptoms are also prevalent in those with the condition. Back pain, migraines and nausea are associated with the disorder, as are skin conditions, such as eczema.

Illegal drugs and alcohol are commonly used in attempts to cope with the condition. Divorce Stress Syndrome sufferers often use the substances to numb their feelings and make their sorrow a bit more tolerable. Choosing this method is not advisable.

Actress Demi Moore is thought to have experienced the condition after her divorce from actor Ashton Kutcher. The star began losing weight and appeared gaunt in the months following their highly-publicized split. Moore also checked into rehab to deal with her chemical dependencies.

Many noticed that she took a considerable amount of time before she addressed her issues. It is likely that she was in denial. Not believing anything is wrong with you is a classic symptom of PTSD and Divorce Stress Syndrome.

Treatment

Coming to terms with the fact that you have a serious issue going on is difficult, but once you realize that you need help, things can get infinitely better.

Talk to a doctor about the feelings and thoughts you are experiencing. The doctor may suggest that you speak with a therapist about your symptoms. The therapist may suggest anti-anxiety or anti-depressant medication.

Engaging in exercise may also help to release some of the stress you feel and could allow you to start thinking positively.

Joining a support group for people who are going through divorce may also help you come to terms with your new situation and introduce you to others who feel the same way you do. If you talk about your feelings and why you are so stressed and upset, you may understand why you have the reaction you do.

You may also find comfort knowing you aren’t the only person who has these emotions and experiences with your divorce.

Having an excellent team of legal professionals on your side can also make this difficult time easier to get through. You’ll need an attorney that is relentless and not willing to compromise when it comes to getting what you need out of this divorce. The attorneys of Jimeno and Gray will do just that. We will fight for your rights and do all we can to get you the outcome you desire.

Contact us today to talk with an attorney about your situation and find out what we can do for you.

Request your free copy of the book What Your Spouse Doesn’t Want You to Know: The Ultimate Guide to Divorce in Maryland, written by attorney Frank Gray, when you call.