Midlife Divorce Can Be Detrimental To Your Health

There was a study conducted by the Journal of Health and Social Behavior, which did a data analysis involving around nine thousand adults in the age group of 51 to 61. The study found out that people who were either separated or divorced demonstrated twenty percent more adverse health conditions as compared to all those people whose marriages were going strong. The health conditions included cancer, diabetes or heart disease. Thus, it appeared from this study that if you have a divorce in your midlife, it can have a negative effect on your health. Anxiety and depression as well as other physical ailments can be caused due to a sudden change in one’s lifestyle.

Real life case study of a couple getting divorced in their midlife

There has been a case when a woman called Judy wanted to be independent and on her own after being married for more than three decades. She was sure that her spouse would be asked to pay for spousal support and felt that she will be entitled to fifty percent of the total marital assets and filed for a divorce.

However, the lady in question had not been in a job for many years and her spouse managed their investment accounts, retirement accounts, and household expenses. While her divorce process was on, she got to know that she would not be getting the kind of marital assets she was expecting when the divorce gets finalized. Additionally, her husband was instructed to pay just a rehabilitative spousal support. It was a limited spousal support only for three years.

New study hinted at the importance of having a doctor for discussing issues

The new study observed that people should consult a doctor for discussing their concerns and for getting referrals of good therapists when required. Going for a medical checkup and being in touch with the family physician can help to ward off illnesses that could be caused due to an immense amount of stress, which is usually a part and parcel of a midlife divorce. For instance, when there is a family history of a condition like high blood pressure, you need to ensure that your stress during the divorce does not aggravate the problem. The new study also added that getting married again will not correct the health issues that your divorce had caused.

So, if you are careless about your physical and emotional well-being, chronic health issues may develop. So make it a point to heal yourself emotionally and take care of yourself physically.

Getting divorced in California can be complicated.  Download our free eBook, 18 Important Things to Know About California Divorce to educate yourself on the process.

Gerald A. Maggio is an experienced Orange County divorce and family law lawyer and family law attorney located in Irvine, California, serving the Orange County and Riverside areas. Mr. Maggio assists clients with legal issues including divorce, legal separation, divorce mediation, child custody, prenuptial agreements, stepparent adoptions, and other family law issues. Mr. Maggio has practiced law in California since 1999, and founded The Maggio Law Firm in 2005, focusing exclusively on divorce and family law matters.