When divorce leads to extreme psychological trauma

For most Nevada spouses, the end of their marriage will lead to some degree of stress and anxiety. This is normal, as divorce creates a shift in virtually every aspect of one’s life. Feeling anxious and unsure of what lies ahead is to be expected, and will fade over time. However, in certain cases, divorce can bring about serious psychological trauma, which can have lasting repercussions for those affected.

A recently published article focuses on divorce and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This condition is the result of a severely traumatic event in an individual’s life, and is characterized by how the sufferer responds to circumstances connected to that event. PTSD is often experienced by soldiers, firefighters and other workers who are exposed to traumatic events, but the condition can affect anyone who suffers from a significantly stressful incident.

Sufferers often re-live the traumatic event through flashbacks or frequent thoughts about the scenario. In addition, they may have a strong response to anything that serves as a stressor, even if those incidents have nothing to do with the original trauma. Overwhelmingly, sufferers find that the normal course of their lives is altered by their heightened awareness of danger or risk.

An extremely combative divorce, especially one that drags on for a long period of time, can lead to a scenario in which a diagnosis of PTSD is possible. For those in Nevada who have been through or are currently in the midst of a high-stress divorce, it is imperative to reach out and seek help when needed. Divorce is a temporary source of stress, but one’s health is forever.

Source: The Huffington Post, What It’s Like To Suffer From PTSD Post-Divorce, Cathy Meyer, Jan. 15, 2014