Post Divorce Trauma

PTSD

Several studies have found that following relationship dissolution, many people manifest symptoms similar to those experienced by people who have survived highly stressful situations.

According to psychotherapist Toni Coleman, "If a person goes through an acrimonious, drawn-out, expensive, time-consuming, and lifestyle altering divorce...it can lead to debilitating symptoms of anxiety in which PTSD takes root.

These symptoms are the result of the divorce trauma being embedded in the person’s subconscious mind and then experienced as recurrent fears and bad memories."

Overly negative thoughts about oneself or the world Exaggerated self-blame or blame of others Decreased interest in activities Feeling isolated Irritability or aggression Paranoia Risky or destructive behavior Difficulty concentrating Difficulty sleeping.

Certain risk factors appear to make some people more likely to develop a diagnosis of PTSD after a divorce or separation, 

such as in cases that involve intimate partner abuse, exposure to a serious threat of injury, or death. 

Having a strong social support network is essential.

 Learning effective coping strategies are some ways to help alleviate distressful symptoms of post-divorce trauma, and ultimately lead to the path of recovery and healing.