Though the experience can be vastly different from one couple to the next, one thing is almost universally true of divorce: It brings about change. You may have to move, change your spending habits, and say goodbye to seeing your children every day. As a result, it makes sense that the body can become stressed and there can be physical symptoms. At Law Office of Michael L. Fell we are here to help with the legal aspects of your divorce but we also encourage our clients to watch out for the physical symptoms too.
Divorce commonly leads to insomnia
It can be difficult or downright impossible for some people to sleep during or after their divorce. Not only are they getting used to sleeping alone after having slept with their spouse for many years, the stress increases cortisol levels. This makes sleep difficult. While it can be a very common symptom, that does not mean that it should be ignored. If you have insomnia that goes on for more than a few weeks then it is worth talking to your doctor about it.
Your immune system can be impacted
If you notice that you are getting sick more often after being divorced than before, then you are likely experiencing your immune system being suppressed by the stress. This could involve getting a cold you can’t seem to shake, or getting every cold you come into contact with. Studies have shown that when a person gets divorced, they have a higher than normal chance of certain conditions including heart disease and diabetes. The good news is that much of this can be combatted by taking vitamins, getting your immunizations, and taking other preventative steps.
You may have an upset stomach
Upset stomachs can be caused by stress. If you feel that you always have a knot in your stomach, or if you feel nauseous, then you may be surprised to learn that the divorce could be the culprit. This issue can be painful, uncomfortable, and can lead to unhealthy weight loss.
A person may gain weight after their divorce
In some cases, a person may gain weight after a divorce. Once again, cortisol may be to blame – when a person has levels of cortisol then they can end up with excess abdominal fat. Some people at more when they are feeling stressed out. The simple way to avoid this is to keep an eye on what you are eating and to contact your doctor if you are gaining weight without reason.
The best way to prevent these issues is to reduce stress
As you can see, some of these issues are caused primarily by stress. The good news is that though you cannot necessarily force a divorce to be stress free, you can work with a family law attorney that will make the process as painless and stress-free as possible. Contact Law Office of Michael L. Fell at 949-585-9055 to get started.