Introduction
A divorce is a life event that may significantly impact an individual’s life. It often leads to substantial changes to family dynamics, social support systems, and financial stability and can be stressful and challenging for those involved. In addition, divorce can profoundly impact a person’s mental health and well-being and is linked to increased suicide risk. Suicide is a serious public health challenge, highlighting the significance of understanding the protective and risk factors associated with suicide in divorce. Suicide awareness and deterrence programs are critical in helping people navigate divorce challenges and reduce suicide risk. Suicide education and prevention programs during a divorce must include risk and protective factors as well as their role in minimizing suicide risk.
Risk Factors for Suicide in Divorce
Overview of Divorce and Its Impact on Mental Health
Divorce can profoundly impact mental health, indicating that married couples undergoing the phase face an increased risk of mental health problems. Emotional distress is one of the most significant impacts of divorce. The end of a marriage is often traumatic, and individuals experience various emotions, including anxiety, guilt, anger, and sadness (Kposowa et al., 2020). The emotional distress associated with divorce is relevant in suicidal ideation because it may lead to the emergence of mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression disorders.
Factors That Increase Suicidal Risk in Divorce
History of Mental Illness or Substance Abuse
Past substance abuse or mental illness can elevate the risk of suicidal ideation in various ways. A history of mental illness, such as bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, divorce trauma, or emotional distress, can increase existing symptoms and amplify the risk of suicidal behaviors. People with mental health conditions often have difficulty coping with divorce’s emotional upheaval, which may worsen their warning signs. Substance abuse can also elevate the risk of those navigating divorce committing suicide. It can increase impulsivity and impair judgment, increasing the likelihood of suicidal thoughts and engagement in other risky behaviors (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2022). In addition, substance abuse can exacerbate mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, increasing suicidal ideation risk. Furthermore, drug abuse and mental illness contribute to feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness, commonly known factors for suicidal ideation (Kposowa et al., 2020). Thus, individuals with mental health conditions and substance abuse issues may be overwhelmed by their circumstances, leaving them with suicide as the only option.
Previous Suicide Attempts, Social Isolation, and Lack of Support
Previous suicide attempts, lack of support, and social isolation are significant risk factors for divorce-related suicidal behaviors. Individuals with a past suicide attempt are often at a higher risk of attempting suicide again, particularly in periods of emotional turmoil and high stress. Divorce can be highly traumatic and stressful, making individuals with previous suicide attempts vulnerable to suicidal behavior. Divorce may lead to losing social support systems, including family members and friends who may favor a particular spouse (CDC, 2022). Such loss of support can devastate individuals already struggling with loneliness or isolation. Social isolation often increases depression risk, which exacerbates suicidal ideation. Additionally, individuals navigating through a divorce may feel ashamed, making them hesitant to seek support (Hald et al., 2022). Thus, the reluctance may further increase feelings of hopelessness, which elevates suicidal ideation.
Financial Stress, Custody Battles, and Legal Disputes
Financial stress, custody battles, and legal disputes are common suicide risk factors during a divorce. Divorce significantly changes financial conditions, with one or both parties experiencing increased expenses and declining income. Monetary problems can be challenging for individuals who are used to sharing expenses with their partners (CDC, 2022). Thus, the uncertainty and stress associated with financial instability increase, leading to feelings of anxiety, hopelessness, and depression, which are known risk factors for suicidal thoughts. Similarly, legal disputes and custody battles are emotionally draining and exacerbate feelings of hopelessness, anxiety, and stress (Strizzi et al., 2021). The legal proceedings make divorce victims lose control and feel powerless, increasing their hopelessness and despair.
Protective Factors for Suicide in Divorce
Social Support Systems
Social support systems are critical in reducing suicidal risk among individuals undergoing a divorce. Existing scholarship shows that people with robust social networks have a reduced likelihood of experiencing suicidal behavior and ideation. Social support comes from various sources, including support groups, counseling services, friends, and family. Social support effectively reduces suicidal risk due to several factors (CDC, 2022). Firstly, it provides individuals with a sense of connectedness and belonging, helping to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. Social support becomes increasingly important during divorce when people feel disconnected from their former partner and social networks.
Secondly, social support offers a source of validation and encouragement, which helps individuals feel understood and heard. As a result, the feelings of despair and hope associated with suicidal ideation in those dealing with divorce are significantly reduced. Finally, social support provides practical assistance, including financial help and childcare, to individuals during a divorce (Mann et al., 2021). Thus, the stress and burden linked to divorce are relieved, helping them feel more in control of their life.
Positive Coping Strategies
Positive coping strategies are another essential protective factor that may help reduce suicidal risk in persons undergoing a divorce. They promote healthy and adaptive responses to stress and assist individuals in managing their thoughts and emotions during divorce better. Physical exercise is an effective strategy that can help reduce stress and enhance mood. Exercise releases endorphins, which help individuals feel in control of their bodies and more confident (CDC, 2022). In addition, exercise allows individuals struggling with divorce to process negative emotions healthily.
Furthermore, meditation or mindfulness can be a positive coping strategy during a divorce. Mindfulness entails paying attention to the present moment with no judgment and can help people to develop incredible emotional regulation skills and self-awareness. In addition, meditation can assist individuals struggling with divorce, reduce stress and promote inner peace and well-being. Engaging in interests or hobbies can also give them a sense of enjoyment and purpose (Næss et al., 2021). Individuals undergoing a divorce can distract themselves from negative feelings and gain a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment by pursuing activities they enjoy.
Mental Health Services Access
Mental health services access is crucial for individuals undergoing a divorce by providing them with a supportive and safe environment to express their concerns and emotions. It allows individuals coping with divorce to adapt to stressors, develop positive coping strategies, and learn effective communication. In addition, accessing mental health services can let individuals know their suicide risk (CDC, 2022). Existing scholarship shows that individuals who receive mental health services after or during a divorce have a lower chance of experiencing suicidal ideation, anxiety, and depression than those who do not seek help (Næss et al., 2021). Thus, mental health services must be considered a crucial protective factor for suicide prevention in those undergoing divorce.
Suicide Prevention Programs
Suicide education and prevention programs are essential for individuals undergoing divorce because they offer resources and education for managing and identifying suicidal behavior. They include crisis hotlines, counseling and therapy services, and support groups. Crisis hotlines are a primary resource for people experiencing suicidal ideation. The hotlines offer immediate guidance and support to persons in crisis (Mann et al., 2021). They offer a chance for individuals to talk about their feelings and receive referrals for extra support services.
Similarly, therapy and counseling services are essential for those undergoing a divorce. They provide tools and strategies to manage the emotional challenges associated with divorce and reduce suicidal behavior risk. Counseling services offer a confidential and safe environment for individuals to receive guidance and discuss their feelings. Support groups provide a community of individuals undergoiin person similar experiences. Thus, they provide a safe space to share feelings and offer support and camaraderie (Mann et al., 2021). Support groups can be found online or in-person, offering a brilliant resource for those experiencing social isolation.
Conclusion
In summary, divorce is a critical life stage where individuals are vulnerable to suicide; thus, a review of the protective and risk factors in a divorce context and suicide prevention programs is needed. The findings provided in the paper underscore the importance of understanding the risk and protective factors in suicide prevention among those undergoing a divorce. By offering individuals the support and tools required to manage divorce’s emotional challenges, the risk of suicidal ideation and behavior can be reduced. Continuing research must focus on understanding the complex interplay between suicidal behavior and divorce.
References
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