Mental illness impacts millions of individuals and households each year in Texas and around the world. If you are someone who is struggling with a diagnosed or undiagnosed mental health issue while simultaneously experiencing a divorce, or if your ex-partner has been diagnosed with a mental health condition, developing the right coping strategy is essential to maintain your well-being.
Create a team of support
Creating a team of support is crucial when you are going through a divorce while you or your ex-partner is struggling with a mental health disorder. Handling child custody disagreements, moving arrangements, and financial decisions is not always easy to do, especially if you or your ex-partner is struggling mentally. Discussing alimony and family law issues ahead of time will help create a working plan of action that is optimal for you and the future you see for yourself.
Document the process
Anytime you are dealing with a partner who is hostile or reactionary due to his or her diagnosed mental condition, it’s essential to keep track of evidence. Document interactions, agreements, text messages, photos, and unprovoked arguments to help prove your side of the case during the divorce proceedings. This may also help facilitate additional mental health resources that can assist everyone involved.
Request character witness letters
While working on your case with those you can trust, they may suggest requesting character witness letters, especially if children are involved in your divorce case. Character witness letters help demonstrate your ethical behavior and interactions in everyday life.
Seek professional therapy or counseling
In some cases, seeking counseling or therapy may help prove your case, depending on the surrounding circumstances involved with your divorce.
Building the right support and legal system around you can help significantly anytime you are going through a divorce involving mental health issues.