Chronic stress can lead to poor divorce decisions

If you are going through a divorce, you may agree that it is one of the most stressful experiences anyone can endure. Divorce stress is quite common and understandable, but that doesn’t make it any less unpleasant.

Chronic stress persists over a lengthy period, usually until you resolve its cause. Unfortunately, it may increase the risk of making poor decisions, which can be disastrous when divorcing.

How does chronic stress affect decision-making?

A primary reason for stress is to prepare the brain and body to manage situations you may perceive as threatening. When the stress persists, it floods your body with hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. An overload of stress hormones may cloud your mind and impact critical decisions.

Examples of possible effects:

• It may limit your ability to make new decisions in changing circumstances.
• It could interfere with accurately weighing the risks and rewards associated with your decisions.
• It may cause you to question yourself or hesitate even when making relatively simple choices.
• It might lead to physical and mental exhaustion, which could further impact your decision-making.

Many who suffer from chronic stress find it hard to think about the future objectively. That could mean you end up with an unfair share of marital property or limited access to your children.

What can you do about it?

Chronic stress is as bad for your divorce as it is for your health. You may benefit from counseling or therapy or when battling stress. Finding a way to manage stress can help you feel better psychologically and physically.

Perhaps more importantly, it can improve your mental focus, empowering you to work better with your legal representative to make wise choices in your divorce.