Some things demand deep thoughtfulness before doing. One of such is asking and finding answers to questions like what are the 7 emotional implications of divorce among others. Divorce is another kind of hazard to the blissful union called marriage.
It is so hazardous that one needs to understand some of the very odd effects that it can make on the individual’s mind and life generally. This great phenomenon, when it happens, not only affects the mental wellbeing and financial lives of its victims, but that it also affects their emotional makeup.
Divorce is the process of terminating a marriage or marital union. Divorce usually entails the canceling or reorganizing of the legal duties and responsibilities of marriage, thus dissolving the bonds of matrimony between a married couple under the rule of law of the particular country or state.
Many of the causes of divorce are:
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Infidelity
Extramarital affair is the main cause of divorce in GCC. Unfaithful relationships are more common in males (19%) than in females (6%).
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Poor communication
Poor social communication skills especially in different sociocultural backgrounds that leads to arguments and difficult to solve solving conflicts, and accumulated emotional scars sufferings.
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Religious and cultural differences
It is common in GCC countries to have marriages between couples of even different religions/cultures and different which encourages to more marriage breakdown.
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Lack of support system
Every couple need support system from family and friends, while foreigner are vulnerable couples of suffering the relocation or feeling disappointment loneliness, heartbreak and depressed mood.
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Unrealistic expectations
False, high, and unrealistic expectations from life or from partner roles are also reasons for failed marriages among GCC couples.
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Social networking
Recent studies showed that couple addiction to social network (Facebook and Twitter) was an important reason for destroying their relationships. More than 80% of population is registered with social networking, and more couples are blaming network addiction.
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Sexual incompatibility
Long travels to work, work stress, sedentary life style, may effects on sex drive and erectile dysfunction which cause stress in relationships.
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Financial negligence
In the GCC, by tradition; it has put all family financial responsibilities on men, rather than women, who has the option to support the husband financially or not. The couples may not accept the cooperation responsibility-sharing the couples may have one partner income is more than other but the partner refuse the sharing-responsibilities roles.
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Child rearing issues
In the absence of a family support structure, many new working partners are confused to share children responsibilities, strain often causing that in marriage, resulting in separation.
Emotional Implications
Emotional divorce is also linked to several adverse mental health outcomes and maladaptive behavior patterns. In this article we shall be dissecting some of the emotional implications of divorce in the lives of men and women who become its victims:
1. Bad Behavior
Persistent marital discord leads to impaired behavioral and emotional functioning, and are therefore a common reason for obtaining mental health interventions from professionals. Several studies have found that marital discord is associated with subclinical depression, psychological distress, major depressive disorders, and panic disorders.
2. Grief
Grief is a natural emotional response to loss and divorce entails the loss of a relationship, home, future dreams, and family unit. Grief has no timetable, and everyone experiences it in their way. It may last a few weeks, months, or years, and it can resurface unexpectedly years later. Grief over the loss of your marriage can also resurface on special holidays and anniversaries.
3. Anger
Another common emotional effect of divorce is anger. Couples going through separation and divorce can experience different levels of anger, ranging from mild irritation to intense rage. This anger can be directed towards yourself, your spouse, another party you blame for your separation, or the situation itself.
Anger is a normal emotion; however, when not managed appropriately, it can lead to negative outcomes. If you feel overwhelmed by anger, it is essential to practice self-care, such as:
- getting enough sleep,
- eating healthy,
- spending time with loved ones, and
- finding a safe space to express your emotions.
4. Depression
Divorce can be an emotionally draining experience, and it is not uncommon for people to experience anxiety and depression as a result. The end of a relationship can cause feelings of grief, sadness, and loneliness, which can lead to depression if left unchecked.
5. Anxiety
Anxiety can also manifest in the form of fear or worry about the future after divorce. It is important to recognize these emotions and seek help from a mental health professional if necessary. Anxiety and depression can negatively impact life, interfere with work, relationships, and daily activities, and reduce the overall quality of life.
6. Self-Doubt
Divorce can also lead to a loss of confidence and self-doubt. You may question your decision-making abilities, worth, or ability to find love again. These thoughts are normal, and it is essential to practice self-compassion and focus on your strengths and personal growth. Divorce can also be an opportunity to:
- redefine yourself,
- learn new skills, and
- explore new passions.
7. Reduction in Skill
Studies have also shown that parental skills decrease after a divorce occurs; however, this effect is only a temporary change. Many researchers have shown that a disequilibrium, including diminished parenting skills, occurs in the year following the divorce but that by two years after the divorce re-stabilization has occurred and parenting skills have improved.
