Experienced, Empathetic Advocacy In Family Law And Criminal Defense

Divorce can be especially hard on Texas men

On Behalf of | Oct 18, 2013 | Divorce

Texas spouses who are considering filing for divorce often focus on the tangible matters surrounding the end of a marriage. Child custody, property division and other details often dominate the process. It can be easy to forget that divorce involves an emotional component, as well. This is especially true for individuals who are not accustomed to acknowledging or showing their emotions. Recent research suggest that men are particularly vulnerable to negative health consequences that come from divorce, which could be tied to their lack of emotional coping skills.

To state the issue in the most stark of terms, one recent study found that divorced men are 39 percent more likely to commit suicide than those who are married. Researchers believe that men are often lacking the support network that many women have while going through divorce. In addition, many men are hesitant to seek professional help when they encounter emotional difficulties, which can lead to a lack of treatment for depression and related problem that can follow a divorce.

This and similar research is being used to teach mental health professionals to be better able to recognize symptoms of depression among newly divorced men. However, it is also important that men themselves change their beliefs about how to manage emotional turmoil. Seeking help in the form of counseling or other services is not a sign of weakness.

It is a strength to be able to identify that a problem exists, then seek out the best way to solve that problem. In many cases, both men and women in Texas can benefit from a period of personal therapy in the aftermath of a divorce. Taking care of one’s health should be a central priority during this phase of one’s life, and emotional stability is a crucial part of living a healthy life.

Source: wtxl.com, Gentlemen Be Warned — Divorce Can Seriously Damage Your Health, Edward Kitchen, Oct. 18, 2013

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