Depression is an incredibly difficult illness to deal with, and a number of things can trigger it – including an impending divorce. Unfortunately, many people who are going through divorce don’t realize that they’re also suffering from depression; there is help available, including therapy, that can relieve the symptoms and make coping with everyday tasks much more bearable.
5 Symptoms of Divorce-Related Depression
Every person experiences depression a little differently. However, one thing is true: it’s an illness that you deserve to have treated. If you had a broken arm, a lung infection or hearing loss, you’d go to the doctor, so please, talk to your physician or a therapist if you think you may be suffering from depression.
It can be tough to distinguish depression from being upset over your divorce, but here are a few symptoms that may indicate you’re dealing with more than “the blues.”
- A continuous irritable mood or deep, unrelenting sadness that you can’t shake for days.
- Difficulty falling asleep, even when you’re exhausted, or dozing off at strange times.
- A sense of helplessness and hopelessness, even when you know that for most people, things do get better.
- Difficulty concentrating or focusing on one task at a time.
- Loss of enjoyment in things you normally enjoy or a feeling of worthlessness – not just about yourself, but about activities that you normally participate in.
Depression is the result of a chemical change in your brain, and it’s a way for your body to tell you that things are going wrong. Even if these symptoms are only similar to what you’re experiencing, it’s a good idea to talk to your family doctor. He or she can ask the right questions to determine whether you’re suffering from an illness that can be treated.
When Depression Gets Worse
If you begin to have fantasies about suicide or to picture what the world would be like without you, it’s an emergency. Likewise, if you frequently think about death (even if it’s not your own) without intending to, it’s time to get help.
You can call your Brampton divorce lawyer for resources, or you can visit Distress Centres Ontario at DCOntario.org. You can also call the Canadian Association of Suicide Prevention at (204) 784-4073 or online at www.suicideprevention.ca.
