Easy divorces are extremely rare. In most cases, the divorce process is contentious. In some cases, they are extremely high conflict affairs. The stress of a contentious divorce can have wide-ranging impacts on the individuals getting divorced and their children, as well as their family and friends. In some cases, the stress goes beyond the norms and reaches a level that creates a medical diagnosis of PTSD, or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

There are many factors that can contribute to a divorce leading to PTSD. If the divorce is the outcome of adultery or abuse, the psychological scarring can arise from those events and then be exacerbated by the stress of the divorce process itself. As couples argue over belongings, the marital home, and custody, they can inflict tremendous pain on one another. Generally speaking, spouses know one another better than anybody else, and though that is a positive thing when you’re talking about supporting each other in a time of need, it can work against you during a time of conflict. A divorce is a painful event under the best circumstances, but when the situation is adversarial and the person who is on the other side of the table knows your weak points, they can inflict real pain and damage in devastating ways.

Making matters worse is the fact that the trauma of a contentious divorce is rarely limited to the two spouses that are dissolving their marriage. If the couple has children, then an emotional toll will likely be exacted on them as the couple vies for their attention. Divorcing couples often treat their children in the same way that they do the possessions that they are fighting over. They are jealous of each other’s time with the child or children and begin to label interactions that were once acceptable and normal as abusive, manipulative, or worse. The same is true for family members, colleagues, and friends who may want to support both individuals. They often find themselves hearing devastating details that they’d rather not know, and disparaging comments that they’d rather avoid entirely.

PTSD is a serious psychological disorder that may require extensive counseling and treatment.  When a high conflict divorce leaves you depressed, unable to sleep, and in a constant state of stress, it is essential that you seek help from a qualified therapist to help you deal with what is happening to you. Doing so is the best way to ensure that you are able to move forward and find a healthy relationship in the future, as well as to live a peaceful life for yourself. If you need legal assistance through a contentious divorce, we are here to work as your advocates. Contact us today to set up an appointment.