If you hope divorce is a magic cure that solves all your worries, you might be out of luck. While divorce may improve your life in the long run, it can take a significant toll in the short term. Most people understand divorce can bring financial problems. Fewer realize how it can harm your health. These are some of the issues you need to watch out for:
- Chronic stress: By the time you have finalized your divorce, you have probably been feeling the effects of stress for a long time. Signing on the dotted line does not take it all away. There will be new stresses to deal with, too. The cumulative effect can be too much.
- Heart attack: A 2015 study found that women who had divorced were 24% more likely to have a heart attack, and those who had divorced multiple times, were 77% more likely.
- Mental health: As much as your spouse drove you mad at times, now you are alone, you may find you have too much time to think. If you are prone to bouts of depression, take steps to maintain contact with other people.
- General health: If you are used to coming home to dinner on the table, divorce may leave you struggling to maintain a healthy diet. You may need to learn how to cook, or to find the time to shop and cook. A poor diet can lead to other health issues.
Despite all these potential health issues, divorce is a healthy life choice for most who choose to do it. An experienced divorce attorney can help by taking some of the strain off your shoulders, allowing you to concentrate on keeping yourself well.