Five Common Mental Health Issues that Lead to Divorce Case in Albuquerque, New Mexico

 

Mental health issues and divorce tend to go hand-in-hand.  At times a spouse’s mental health deteriorates to a point where divorce can be the only option for remaining safe and sane.  A spouse’s mental health is particularly relevant in today’s climate, given the increased rates in both mental health issues and divorce case during COVID.

Here are the Five Common Mental Health Issues that Lead to Divorce Case in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

 

Bipolar Disorder Mixed with Divorce and Custody in Albuquerque, New Mexico

 

 

The rates of bipolar disorder in America appear to be rising.  I routinely encounter allegations of bipolar disorder within divorce and child custody cases in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Bipolar disorder often involves mood swings with periods of mania and depression. Bipolar disorder tends to be an “up and down” disorder.  A person that is up, or manic, experiences symptoms such as high energy, and reduced need for sleep.

A disconnect from reality can occur with bipolar order.  A bipolar sub-type, schizoaffective disorder, includes symptoms of mania mixed with psychotic symptoms that are associated with schizophrenia.

Bipolar disorder involves a yin and yang – up and down.  Manic episodes are usually followed by depressive episodes.  The depression often includes symptoms such as low energy, low motivation, and loss of interest in life or daily activities.

People suffering from bipolar disorder may experience:

• Elevated mood;
• Delusions of superiority;
• Impulsive and risky behavior;
• Anger/anxiety; and
• Sadness, guilt, lost interest.

Bi-polar disorder can affect a New Mexico marriage in the following ways:

• Excessive spending that affects community assets/debts;
• Sexual promiscuity while manic;
• Inability to maintain employment;
• Dangerous behavior when disconnected from reality; and
• Criminal damage to property when manic.

The wild mood swings often lead to divorce. A study has suggested that roughly 90 percent of marriage where one spouse is bipolar end with divorce.  This study suggests that the bipolar divorce rate in Albuquerque, New Mexico may be as high as 90 percent.

 

Bipolar disorder and Divorce Rates — Kanye West and Kim Kardashian 

 

Kanye West and Kim Kardashian present a famous picture of bipolar disorder and divorce case.  Kanye West reportedly suffers from bipolar disorder.  Over the years, West has become famous for the manic aspects addressed above.

Recently it has been reported that West and Kardashian are separated and heading towards divorce.  In true West and Kardashian form, the divorce allegedly will be chronicled in the next season of Keeping Up with the Kardashians.

Remaining married to a bipolar spouse is a challenge.  A spouse that is up one day, and then down the next, can put a strain on the most loving relationship.  For this reason, most marriages involving bipolar disorder often lead to divorce.

 

Divorcing a Sociopath in New Mexico

 

I routinely hear the phrase, “my ex is a sociopath” when dealing with divorce and custody issues in New Mexico.

A sociopath is someone that has an antisocial personality disorder.  Sociopaths are marked by a complete lack of empathy and disregard for other people.  Sociopaths tend to lie, act impulsively, break laws, and lack regard for the safety of themselves or others.

The Signs that you are married to a Sociopath include:

• Lack of empathy;
• Quilt Manipulation or charm;
• Lies, risky behavior, and lack of responsibility;
• Hostility, violence, and aggression;
• Impulsivity mixed with drug or alcohol abuse.

Being married to a sociopath can result in violence that requires an order of protection (restraining order) to be entered.

A sociopath’s lack of empathy, mixed with dangerous behavior, and blended with manipulation is a recipe for divorce case.

 

 

Don’t be fulled by Hollywood’s portrayal of sociopaths as long haired, wild eyed psychopaths with a cult following.   Divorcing a sociopath narcissist often involves a husband or wife that can be incredibly charming, attractive, and manipulative.

I often hear, “My wife or husband is a narcissistic sociopath” and the spouse presents themselves extremely well in court.  In fact, more often than not, the narcissistic sociopath is smooth, calm, and can weave an incredible tale that is not based in reality.

 

Anxiety Disorder and Divorce Rates in Albuquerque, NM

 

 

Anxiety rates are rising in Albuquerque, NM.  The number of billboards involving treatment for anxiety and depression are beginning to rival personal injury attorneys.

The increased rates of anxiety disorder are also affecting divorce case and child custody issues in Albuquerque, NM.  PTSD related issues are increasingly leading to a divorce, separation, or custody problems.

Anxiety disorder often includes feelings of worry, anxiety, and fear to a level that interferes with one’s daily life and activities.

Common examples of anxiety disorder include:

• Panic attacks;
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder; and
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Symptoms of anxiety disorder include:

• Excessive worrying and agitation;
• Restlessness or fatigue;
• Irritability;
• Panic attacks; and
• Avoid social situations.

 

Clinical Depression and Divorce Case

 

 

Depression is a mental health disorder that includes long periods of depressed mood, or lost interest in life, hobbies, or interests.  The typical symptoms of depression include:

• Hopeless outlook;
• Loss of interest in life;
• Irritability in men;
• Fatigue and sleep problems;
• Uncontrollable emotions and death fixation.

Depression is a progressive disorder that can grow over time when left untreated.  Over time, a spouse can become accustomed to their partner’s depression and gradual changes to their loved one’s personality.

A spouse’s depression can reach a high water mark that leaves one feeling drowned by the relationship, swimming towards divorce case.

 

Narcissistic Personality Disorder and Divorce Case in New Mexico

 

 

Possibly the most common phrase that I have heard while practicing family law has been: “My ex is narcissistic.”  Tales of narcissistic spouses are legend and ubiquitous. Narcissistic spouses and divorce are the peanut butter and jelly of family law.

Narcissistic personality disorder is generally present with people that have an inflated sense of self-importance.  Although narcissistic personality disorder is allegedly more common with men – I repeatedly hear the phrase from both sides of the divorce.

Symptoms of narcissism include:

• An excessive need for admiration;
• Disregard for others’ feelings;
• Conversation hogs with sense of entitlement;
• Manipulation and emotional abuse; and
• Lash out or try to win you back when the relationship is over.

Narcissistic personality types can suffocate with a constant need for attention and approval.  This incessant need for validation can lead to extra-marital affairs, risky behavior, and unstable thrill seeking.  Narcissistic spouses have the tendency to create issues with community debt.  Marrying a narcissistic spouse can lead to deep emotional scars.

Being married to a narcissistic spouse can feel like eating at a buffet – the first taste is wonderful, but each spoonful is progressively less fulfilling.  The last bite of a narcissistic relationship can be pure misery.

Similar to the other mental health issues discussed, narcissism comes in degrees.  Not all narcissistic marriages and spouses are created equally. We all have narcissistic characteristics.  We all crave attention.

Studies have shown that children that do not receive eye contact, holding, and attention can develop failure to thrive that leads to death.

We all love the sound of our own names.  Studies have found unique brain activation when someone hears their own name.

A certain degree of self-love and need for attention is healthy.   We all have narcissistic traits, to varying degrees.  The difference becomes when the narcissism reaches an unhealthy degree that affects one’s marriage.

As we have seen, there are overlapping traits and characteristics between the five most common mental health disorders that lead to divorce.  A common thread weaves itself between all five mental health issues that can lead to divorce.  All five mental health issues have the tendency to make a marriage unbearable, pushing the relationship to its breaking point, and into divorce.

 

(505) SANCHEZ HELPS YOU UNDERSTAND THE COMMON MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES THAT LEAD TO DIVORCE CASE IN ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO

 

Matthew Sanchez is an Albuquerque family law attorney in Albuquerque, New Mexico with a background in psychology from UNM.  Sanchez helps you understand mental health issues that lead to divorce case in Bernalillo, Sandoval, and Valencia counties.    Sanchez is part of a legal group understands how mental health issues impact Albuquerque, New Mexico divorce case.  For more information on divorce case and family law in New Mexico call (505) SANCHEZ.