Divorce is a mentally draining event. Grief, anger, jealousy ”“ all kinds of negative emotion are to be expected. But what if the pain of divorce went beyond simply the psychological?
Can Divorce Cause Physical Pain?
Yes, it absolutely can ”“ there are well-documented physical effects of divorce.
- Divorce can affect your weight, and the effect can go both ways. Some people use comfort food as a way of calming themselves during divorce, and overindulgence can lead to weight gain. But others might lose their appetites entirely and end up losing weight. Either way, unrestricted weight gain or loss can lead to harmful health effects. In some cases, it can lead to metabolic syndrome, or a combination of several conditions like high blood pressure, excess fat and high cholesterol.
- Depression can contribute to the above weight fluctuation as well as other sinister side effects, such as insomnia.
- The stress of divorce can lead to cardiovascular effects. A study published in the Journal of Marriage and Family showed that middle-aged people, especially women, are more likely to suffer cardiovascular disease after divorce. One study from Karolinska University Hospital and Institute showed that people who divorce their spouses have a 14 percent higher risk of suffering second heart attacks as well.
There are many other physical consequences that can result from divorce, and they tend to be linked. If depression causes a person to neglect physical exercise and not eat well, then those unhealthy habits can contribute to more serious diseases and conditions over time. That is why it is important to keep an eye on your physical health and needs following divorce, and seek help if necessary.
Our Denver divorce attorneys practice throughout the state of Colorado, including Adams County; Arapahoe County; Boulder County; Broomfield County; Denver County; Douglas County; Elbert County; and Jefferson County.
