Is It True That Women Are Happier After Divorce?

When divorce is depicted in TV shows or movies, you often see a woman with her head in her hands and tears streaming down her face, or uncontrollably sobbing and gasping for air.

Divorce is often seen as a negative thing. People are led to believe that it causes women to be sad, hurt, anxious, and unstable.

What would you say if you were told that women are actually happier after a divorce?

You’d probably be a little caught off guard. You may even be shaking your head right now thinking, “That can’t possibly be true.” You were taught the opposite, so that must be true, right?

So, is it really true that women are actually happier after a divorce? Let’s find out!

Are Women Happier After a Divorce?

This answer isn’t as black and white as one may think. Obviously, this depends on each individual person, their relationship, the cause of the divorce, and so on.

That being said, there are studies that have been done that can confirm if women are truly happier after divorce. The answer may shock you.

Research has found that women are more likely to be happier compared to men after divorce. Here’s why.

Women Are More Likely to Talk to Loved Ones

After a divorce, women have proven to be more likely to surround themselves with friends, family, or loved ones. Men are more likely to keep to themselves or self-isolate.

Women will reach out to their loved ones for help, encouragement, and support during good and bad times. Men typically find it more difficult or challenging to reach out for help and support. Due to societal beliefs, men often find that reaching out for help means that they’re showing weakness.

They Put Their Needs First

Women are more likely to put their own needs first after a divorce. They know how important it is to prioritize themselves and their needs, so they’re more likely to keep to their routine and schedule. Women will focus on incorporating healthy habits like eating healthy and well-balanced meals, getting enough sleep each night, drinking enough water, and exercising each day.

They Aren’t as Likely to Turn to Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms

Since women are more likely to reach out for support through loved ones, men often seek support through objects as a way to distract them from how they’re really feeling.

Men are more likely to turn to unhealthy ways to cope. This involves turning to substances like drugs and alcohol. Men are also more likely to practice unsafe sex, drive recklessly, or start to gamble.

They’re More Likely to Seek Additional Support

You probably knew this one was coming. If men find it challenging to reach out to friends, family, and loved ones, they are also less likely to reach out to an outside third party for help. Women are more likely to seek support from an outside party like a doctor or a therapist.

Because women are more likely to reach out for help, they’re able to acknowledge and deal with their feelings as well as find the right coping strategies that work best for them. Men, on the other hand, may hold their thoughts, feelings, and emotions inside of themselves. Due to this, the grieving, recovery, and healing process can take a lot longer.

No matter your gender or how you identify, you’re not alone if you’re struggling through a divorce. Any type of change that happens in life is can be difficult to navigate. You don’t have to do it all on your own.

Reach out to us today if support would be helpful. We currenlty have openings for individuals and couples who could use a safe space to process through things and are excited to be offering groups for women!

We would love to connect with you!