Divorce isn’t something that someone would describe as easy. It can be messy, complex, and emotional.
Any type of change that occurs in someone’s life can be a difficult one to navigate. A change as big as a divorce can bring a lot of extra challenges to someone’s life or daily routine.
You may have to divide your belongings. You and your ex may decide that one person gets to stay in the current home while the other has to pack up their belongings and move somewhere else. When you have children or pets, divorce can become even more challenging to navigate.
There isn’t a right or a wrong way to go through a divorce. There isn’t a book that explains how to go about the process. For some, divorce can be easier compared to others. This is all dependent on their personal situation. Some studies have shown that women tend to be happier after a divorce more quickly compared to men. Let’s find out if women are truly happier after a divorce.
Women Will Continue to Take Care of Themselves
Women may appear happier after a divorce because they’re more likely to prioritize their needs. Despite the negative events happening around them, most women will still make the time to eat a healthy and well-balanced diet, exercise or move their bodies, and practice self-care. These actions go a long way in helping someone’s overall mental health and wellness, especially in times of stress.
Women Practice Healthier Coping Mechanisms
Women better understand long-term solutions versus short-term quick fixes to their problems. Because of this, they’re less likely to turn to substances, jump into new relationships, or participate in casual sex as attempts to distract themselves from their true thoughts and feelings.
Women would rather take the time to admit and acknowledge their true thoughts and feelings so they can move forward again instead of sitting in their despair. On the other hand, a lot of men may turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms and risk-taking behaviors like substance use and abuse, unprotected sex, and jumping from one relationship to the next fairly quickly.
Women Lean on Their Loved Ones
Women tend to share the positive and negative experiences that they’re going through with their family and friends. Men, on the other hand, tend to bottle up emotions. They don’t want to appear like they’re weak or fragile. Not sharing how they’re really feeling with their loved ones can make them feel like they do not have a true support system.
Women are More Likely to Seek Additional Support
One of the main reasons that women appear happier after a divorce is that they’re more willing to reach out for additional help. For men, there is often a stigma associated with going to therapy or asking for help.
Instead, men keep or hold onto their negative thoughts and feelings and try to bury them deep down inside themselves. This can prolong their healing process, which can lead to anxiety, depression, and short-term unhealthy coping mechanisms.
Next Steps
While women tend to be more likely to reach out for additional support after a divorce, we’re here for you no matter how you choose to identify. While there are lifestyle changes you can make on your own end to help you heal, if the signs and symptoms of the struggle you’re experiencing last longer than two weeks, it’s a good sign that it’s time to reach out for additional support. Moving on after a divorce is possible, and we’re here to help you when you’re ready to receive it. Reach out to us today to set up a consultation for depression treatment.
