16 - Mental Health and Divorce

Show Notes for Episode: 16 - Mental Health and Divorce

Host: Melissa Wheeler Farag, Family Law Mediator and Recovering Divorce Litigator

Podcast: High Vibe Divorce

Episode Summary:

In this insightful episode, Melissa discusses the critical topic of mental health during the divorce process. She emphasizes that it's normal to experience a range of emotions, from anxiety to depression, and encourages listeners to seek support. Melissa shares personal experiences and professional observations, offering practical advice on navigating mental health challenges during divorce. She also provides resources for those in need of immediate assistance and long-term support.

Key Takeaways:

• Affirmation of the Day: "It's safe to ask for help. People want to support me."
• Normalizing Emotional Struggles: It is normal to feel depressed, anxious, or overwhelmed during divorce. Everyone's experience is unique, and there is no right or wrong way to feel.
• Support Resources:
  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Hotline: Available for anyone in the U.S. needing immediate assistance. Dial 988 to speak with a trained counselor.
  • Therapy Options: Exploring therapy can be a beneficial step. Melissa suggests various platforms and organizations for finding the right therapist, including:
    • BetterHelp: Online therapy platform for text and video sessions.
    • GoodTherapy.org: A directory of therapists that allows you to search by specialty and location.
    • Open Path Collective: Offers affordable therapy options with sliding scale fees.
  • Understanding Professional Roles:
    • Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication.
    • Psychologists provide therapy and are typically doctors of psychology.
    • Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT) provide therapeutic support.
• Self-Assessment for Mental Health: If you're unsure about your mental state, consider using self-assessment tools. These can help identify symptoms of depression or anxiety and guide you in seeking appropriate support.
• Importance of Mental Health in Decision Making: Proper mental health support can help you make better decisions during the divorce process, such as child custody and financial agreements.
• Role of Divorce Coaches: A divorce coach can provide personalized support and guidance through the divorce process, acting as a bridge between legal counsel and emotional support.
• Alcohol and Substance Use: Avoiding alcohol and other depressants is crucial, as they can exacerbate mental health issues and complicate legal matters.

Actionable Tips:

1. Seek Professional Help Early: Don’t wait until you’re in crisis to seek help. Proactive support can make a significant difference.
2. Use Available Resources: Utilize platforms like BetterHelp, GoodTherapy.org, and Open Path Collective to find a therapist or coach who meets your needs.
3. Stay Connected: Don’t isolate yourself. Stay in touch with friends, family, or professional support.
4. Practice Self-Care: Prioritize sleep, nutrition, exercise, and limit alcohol consumption to maintain your mental and physical well-being.
5. Communicate with Legal Counsel: If mental health is affecting your ability to participate in legal proceedings, communicate with your attorney or mediator to discuss options like requesting a continuance.

Links and Resources:

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Hotline
• BetterHelp
• GoodTherapy.org
• Open Path Collective

Connect with Melissa:

• Website: High Vibe Mediation
• Instagram: @highvibedivorce

Closing Affirmation:

"It's safe to ask for help. People want to support me."

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might benefit from this conversation. Divorce can be isolating—let's keep the conversation going and support each other. Until next time, keep the vibes high!