EP15: Divorce and Mental Illness with Shelly Smith, LMFT

Jul 20, 2018

Mental Illness is a very difficult but extremely important issue to talk about. And this is even more heightened when one is going through divorce. Shedding light on this issue is Shelly Smith, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, who talked about Mental Health & Wellness in Episode 8.

In this episode, we discuss the different factors that can affect the divorce process when mental illness is involved. But the overarching theme, and the most critical, is for women to build a strong support system around her. It is important to have family, friends, and professionals help and guide you as you go through divorce.

Going through divorce while dealing with mental illness is difficult, but as one of my favorite quote says…

“Fortune favors the brave”

You are brave! You have what it takes to navigate through this season, to advocate for yourself and your family.

 

Listen in as Shelly and I talk about:

• Mental illness is rarely discussed but is more common than we realize
• If you suspect that you or your former spouse might be suffering from mental illness, the most important thing is to get professional help and proper diagnosis
• You need to set-up people, professionals, and boundaries in place to help you and protect you
• How and when to involve mental health counselling
• Reflect on your circumstances and allow healing to take place
• How the legal system is set up to create boundaries and deadlines, and minimize unpredictability

 

Important things to remember:

• Take time to reflect on your situation. You can use a journal to help you navigate your emotions.
• Once you have the clarity from your reflection, reframe your mindset about the whole situation
• Remember that healing is a journey that takes time
• Having a support system is extremely important
• ASK. Ask for help, ask for protection, ask for guidance.

 

Resources:

Shelly Smith, LMFT

Co-Founder, United Counseling & Wellness

312-635-4354

www.tryucw.com

[e-mail]

 

Special Offer:

Mention the Divorce Conversations Podcast and receive a FREE phone consult.

 

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