Recognizing Mental Health Issues in a Spouse

When a spouse suffers from a mental health issue, there is a strong chance that the other spouse will be severely affected as well. Mental health issues can refer to various types of mental illnesses, which can emerge suddenly or develop over a long period.

If you notice changes in your spouse’s emotional or mental behavior, attitude, social life, or even daily activities, they could be experiencing mental health issues. If they are unwilling to get the help they need and you have done all you can to support them, it may be time to consult with a Fulton divorce lawyer about your options as soon as possible.

Common mental health issues that affect marriages

According to an article published by Psychology Today, almost 50 percent of all adults suffer a mental health issue at least once throughout their lives. As a result, these individuals usually experience a diminished quality of life, lack of productivity, employment issues, a change in routine and activities, and physical health problems. However, mental health issues can also affect marriages and personal relationships. The article explains that “there may be no relationship more affected by mental illness than the intimate relationship between partners.” Some of the most common mental health issues that tend to affect marriages include:

• Depressive disorder: Depressive disorder is a mental disorder that affects the mood. Individuals who have a depressive disorder, also called depression, may feel very low, experience a loss of interest in activities, have frequent mood changes, and feel completely hopeless at times.
• Anxiety disorder: Anxiety disorder is another common mental health issue that involves frequent and excessive worrying, fear, and panic about certain situations or thoughts. While it is normal to have some anxiety, a person with anxiety disorder is unable to control their worries and fears, which can severely affect other parts of their life.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder: Post-traumatic stress disorder usually occurs after someone experiences or witnesses a terrifying or horrific event. For example, if a person watched their friend get struck by a car while crossing the street, they may develop post-traumatic stress disorder. This condition causes frequent and intense nightmares, flashbacks, anxiety, and thoughts.
• Narcissism: Narcissism, also referred to as narcissistic personality disorder, is a mental illness in which individuals have a very high sense of self-importance. They desire people to admire them, give them lots of attention, and center their lives around them and their needs. Those who have narcissistic personality disorder are usually very confident and do not care about others’ feelings.
• Alcoholism and substance abuse disorder: Alcoholism, also known as alcohol use disorder, is a common mental health condition that is used to cover up other negative feelings and mental health issues. Individuals with alcohol use disorder drink very frequently and heavily, which becomes challenging to control or slow down. Substance abuse disorder is similar to alcoholism, except individuals typically use illegal and prescription drugs.

Signs that your spouse may have a mental health issue

If you suspect or think that your spouse may have a mental health issue, there are a few signs that you should keep an eye out for, such as:

• Changes in sleep patterns
• Changes in eating habits
• Withdrawal or lack of socialization
• Thinking problems
• Inability to function at work, in classes, or at home
• Memory problems
• Appearing to be disconnected
• Illogical thinking
• Extreme nervousness or trauma
• Strange or unusual behaviors
• Changes in speech or communication
• Appearing sad, depressed, emotional, or irritable

Can my spouse’s mental health issues cause complications with my divorce?

Your spouse’s mental health issues can cause complications with your divorce, but with a divorce attorney by your side, you will be ready and prepared for any obstacles or hurdles that arise. Remember that Maryland is a no-fault state for divorce, which means that couples in this state do not have to prove any type of fault to obtain a divorce.

However, depending on their severity, behaviors and mental health conditions can seriously impact many of the court’s decisions. If you are worried about whether the divorce will be postponed because of your spouse’s mental health issues, you should speak to an attorney. While the courts will want to ensure that your spouse is treated fairly, your divorce should not be delayed or avoided simply because your spouse claims they have a mental illness.

How will my spouse’s mental illness affect child custody or spousal support in Fulton?

When it comes to the Fulton child custody proceedings, the judge’s focus will be on your child’s best interests. Therefore, they will determine whether full or joint custody should be awarded and how much visitation time the parents should each get based on the child’s best interests. This means that if you have proof that your spouse has a mental illness that could harm or put your child in danger, it is essential that you provide this to the court as soon as possible. The court will consider this and determine whether both parents have a reasonable level of competence and can care for the child safely.

If you can successfully prove that your ex-spouse has a mental illness that has harmed or is likely to harm the child, the court will likely decide whether the mental health condition does, in fact, affect their ability to provide for the child and act as a parent. If the court finds that it does, that parent may receive supervised visitation or, in very rare cases, not be able to have visitation at all until they can prove that they have received the proper help and can care for the child without their mental illness interfering.

Maryland Family Law § 11–106 specifically states that both spouses’ mental health conditions may play a role in determining spousal support or alimony. Therefore, the court will determine whether the spouse who is seeking alimony can financially support themselves or will need financial assistance transitioning from being married to being single. If your spouse suffers from a mental health condition and is unable to find a job or work due to their condition, there is a possibility that you may be ordered to provide them with alimony after the court balances the applicable factors.

Have your spouse’s mental health issues caused you to begin contemplating divorce? If so, please contact a Fulton divorce attorney from McCabe Russell, PA to discuss your situation. We have many years of experience helping clients with these types of cases, and if you choose to work with us, we would be glad to offer you the same legal support and guidance throughout this process. While everything may seem hopeless, our team can help you regain control of your life and continue moving forward. If you are ready to learn more about how we can assist you, please call our office or submit our contact form to schedule a consultation with one of our lawyers in Fulton, Bethesda, Rockville, or Columbia today.