Divorce Is a Precipitating Factor to Depression
Factors which contribute to the development of depression include both personal predispositions and precipitating factors. As one of the major forms of stress in life, divorce can be a precipitating event which increases the risk of developing depression. Research suggests that recently divorced people are 6 times more likely to experience at least one major depressive episode. These results remain consistent even when accounting for a personal history of depression prior to or during the marriage.
Doubt and Isolation
Divorce carries a high risk of depression due to some unique features of this form of stress. It creates a disruption in one's interpersonal functioning as issues of trust, companionship and security are questioned through the divorce process. To have once felt a special bond with someone, only to watch it fall apart, can cause people to question the very nature of love, attachment, friendship, companionship and bonding. Individuals may even begin to question their own ability or worthiness to establish these types of attachments in any social, family or intimate relationship. These doubts can lead to increased isolation and detachment, leaving the individual vulnerable to developing depression.
Complicating Factors
Depression is most common among those who experience complications in the divorce process. The most common complication is continued attachment to the former spouse. This lack of acceptance of the ending of the relationship creates a rollercoaster of false hope followed by further disappointment, doubt and isolation. Although most people do not feel a sense of finality to the relationship when filing for separation, most have accepted the reality of the divorce after a year of separation. Those who have not accepted the ending of the relationship continue to feel a longing for their former partner and continue to have social, relational and emotional difficulties. Other complicating factors which increase the risk of depression include disagreements about parenting after the divorce, custody disputes and unresolved financial entanglements.
Adjustment
Although divorce is a stressor which creates a higher risk for depression, most divorced individuals report the long-term (between two and four years) effects of a divorce to be an opportunity for personal growth. After successfully navigating the uncoupling process and dealing with difficult emotions, one can then begin to experience a sense of relief and hope for happiness. Although the project of rearranging one's life and healing can take years, most people eventually adjust well. A crucial element to healthy adjustment is support. Support provides the opportunity to prevent distorted ways of thinking about yourself or relationships. Helpful friends and family open the door to developing new social and intimate relationships. Support also aids in preventing the trap of isolation which can further complicate the influence of depression.
References
- "Infidelity and Separations Precipitate Major Depressive Episodes and Symptoms of Nonspecific Depression and Anxiety" in Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology. Vol 68, No. 5, 774-781; Annmarie Cano and K.Kaniel O'Leary; 2000.
- "Coparenting Conflict, Nonacceptance, and Depression Among Divorced Adults: Results From a 12-Year Follow-Up Study of Child Custody Mediation Using Multiple Imputation" in American Journal of Orthopsychiatry. Vol 75, No. 1, 63-75; David A. Sbarra, PhD & Robert E. Emery, PhD; 2005
