Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a widely recognized disorder commonly associated with war veterans, victims of domestic violence, and crime victims. Patients suffering from PTSD often experience high anxiety, depression, and social isolation. The disorder can be crippling and lead to other problems such as addiction and risky behavior. While most people understand how the trauma of war or crime can lead to PTSD, many are unaware that the trauma of a bitter divorce can also lead to the condition.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), people going through a nasty divorce can be so traumatized that they develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Divorce in itself is a highly stressful situation and many mistake its symptoms for an individual’s inability to cope with that stress. Towson divorce lawyers stress that PTSD is a real disorder that can affect anyone who has experienced trauma. If it is left untreated, PTSD can result in paralyzing depression and anxiety, job loss, social withdrawal, and severed relationships with family and friends.
Symptoms and Treatment Options for PTSD
The symptoms of PTSD are easy to recognize, but are often dismissed as temporary. Recurrent flashbacks, nightmares, disturbing or frightening thoughts, avoiding social interaction or events, angry outbursts, unreasonable behavior, and trouble concentrating are just some of the symptoms of PTSD. Family and friends of anyone going through a divorce that see these symptoms can help the divorcee recognize the possibility of PTSD and encourage them to seek help.
Luckily, there are treatments for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder that have proven to be successful for many suffering from the condition. Medications for depression and anxiety can help relieve symptoms and allow the patient to work on the underlying reasons for their stress. Counseling and psychotherapy are vital in helping patients deal with the stress of their divorce and finding ways to recover from the trauma. Exercise and meditation can also relieve a lot of the physical and mental stress that results from PTSD.
Not everyone who goes through a bad divorce will suffer from PTSD. Risk factors that make someone more prone to the disorder include people who have pre-existing mental health issues, or those who have suffered childhood trauma such as witnessing domestic violence or being a victim of bullying. Those who have high-pressure jobs and great demands on their personal time, or those with poor social skills are also more prone to suffering from PTSD.
Towson Divorce Lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC Provide Legal Counsel and Representation to Divorcing Couples
A divorce is never easy and can in fact be traumatic for some people. PTSD is a real and very serious disorder that can result in depression, anxiety, addiction, job loss, and isolation. The compassionate Towson divorce lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC are sensitive to the emotional toll a divorce can have on a person and are dedicated to helping their clients reach an amicable settlement.
If you or someone you know is considering divorce, call us at 443-589-0150, or contact us online to schedule a consultation today. Our offices are located in Hunt Valley, Pikesville, and Towson, Maryland allowing us to serve clients in Baltimore County, Harford County, Carroll County, and Howard County as well as the towns of Essex, Columbia, and Bel Air.