A recent study published by Matthew Dupre of Duke University  found that women who were divorced at least once were 24% more likely to experience a heart attack compared to women who remained married.  For women divorced two or more times, the risk jumped to 77%.  (See article here)

Dupre and his team were not able to draw any distinct conclusions on how exactly divorce contributes to increased risk for heart attacks, nor why women are affected more than men.  However, previous studies have shown that a divorce, particularly a nasty one, is one of the greatest stressors one can face in their life.  It has been shown over and over again that stress and emotional trauma have very real, long-term implications on physical health and overall well being.

This is one of many reasons I am so passionate about the Collaborative Divorce Process: it successfully diminishes the trauma and stress not only during divorce, but also going forward.   The inclusion of mental health professionals as coaches who help couples work through the emotions of the divorce and to better communicate going forward are imperative to our mission of a “healthier divorce”.

Settlements which come out of the Collaborative Divorce Process are longer lasting because they are specifically tailored to the needs of the family.  In part, this is thanks to the inclusion of a financial neutral who helps both parties establish budgets and examine various financial projections for 5,10,15+ years going forward, which helps diminish stress associated with divorce.  People come out of the process having negotiated settlements which ensure both parties have a plan for a more secure future.

Clients in the Collaborative Divorce Process are fully educated on all of their options and provided the tools they need to make informed decisions and work through emotional issues, all of which contribute to diminishing stress, and in turn, fosters better health outcomes.

To learn more about the links between divorce and physical well being, as well as how the Collaborative Divorce Process is unique in addressing these, please visit our “Neuroscience of Divorce” page, which can be found by clicking here.