Divorce and Suicide Prevention Awareness

The National Alliance of the Mentally Ill (NAMI) recognizes September as Suicide Prevention Month. The reality is that divorce and suicide can be closely related for some people as they venture towards or through the end of their marriages. With this understood, there are a number facts and factors when it comes to divorce and suicide prevention awareness.

General Information About Elevated Suicide Risk

Research consistently demonstrates that divorced individuals are at a higher risk of suicidal ideation, attempting suicide, and dying by suicide than is the case for single, married, and even widowed individuals, according to John Hopkins University School of Medicine. Candidly, divorce is deemed to be one of the most stressful events in a typical individual’s life.

Gender Differences, Divorce and Suicide

A good many people are surprised to learn about some pretty profound gender differences when it comes to divorce and suicide in the United States. Studies indicate that divorced men are somewhere between 2 to 9 times more likely to die by suicide than are married men. The gap between 2 to 9 times is so large because gleaning information about actual causes of death with suicide potentially is involved can be difficult to accurately ascertain. While the suicide rate is also higher among divorced women, these same studies demonstrate that it is notably lower than that associated with men.

Impact of Social Isolation

Social isolation during and following a New Jersey divorce has the ability to heighten the risk of suicidal ideations, suicide attempts, and even death by suicide. A divorce has the capacity to impact a person in a number of ways, resulting in greater isolation:

• Reduced daily companionship
• Weakened community connections
• Estrangement from friends
• Estrangement from family

Impact of Child Custody Disputes

Child custody disputes, which can be fierce in some marriage dissolution proceedings, can also contribute to an increased risk of suicide. This particularly can be the situation when parental alienation is occurring or even perceived to be happening when it actually is not.

Divorce, Economic Stress and Suicide

Even among people not involved in divorce proceedings, or having recently become divorced, economic issues and financial worries represent a major reason why individuals may contemplate taking their own lives. New Jersey divorce proceedings can result in a myriad of economic stressors that include:

• Property division ramifications
• Child support issues and obligations
• Alimony issues and complications
• Legal costs
• Budgeting concerns
• Debt problems

Taking care to really understand the ins and outs and future implications of property issues in divorce cases places a person in a far better position to avoid emotional and mental health issues associated with an end of a marriage. In turn, this works as a means of aiding in the prevention of suicidal ideation during and following marriage dissolution proceedings.

Divorce and Increased Mental Health Vulnerabilities

Preexisting emotional or mental health conditions can be inflamed during divorce proceedings and following the end of a marriage. This enhancement can result in a person contemplating or even taking steps towards suicide. Examples of emotional or mental health issues that can worsen as a result of divorce include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Substance use disorder

A person is best able to avoid increasing these vulnerabilities by taking a proactive stance, which we do not discuss.

Intervention and Suicide Prevention

In conclusion, keep in mind that counseling, other mental health resources, and peer support can be vital in reducing suicide risk during and following a New Jersey divorce. Courts, legal professionals, therapists, and others have increasingly recognized the crucial importance of mental health interventions as necessary, particularly during what oftentimes are referred to as high-conflict divorces. A person should be as proactive as ​possible in seeking professional intervention as needed during a New Jersey marriage dissolution proceeding. If you have any questions concerning divorce, call the Law Offices of Peter Van Aulen at (201) 845-7400 for a free initial consultation.