You probably will never see this diagnosis in the DSM IV (which is the diagnostic tool all clinicians use to diagnosis mental health issues) but Sudden Divorce Syndrome is experienced by thousands of families every week. Married couples who have launched their children suddenly realize they no longer have anything in common with each other or have completely quit communicating and one day walk into the house and say "I want a divorce."
In a 2004 poll by the AARP one in four men who were divorced stated that they "never saw it coming." Only 14% of divorced women stated that the divorce had been unexpected for them.
The U.S. Commission on Child and Family Welfare report that women will file for divorce on an average of 66% of the time. The report states that when women make up their mind that the relationship is over, they stop talking about the relationship. The confusion for men is that if there is no communication on the issue they believe everything is fine in the relationship.
No matter who ends the relationship, divorce can be devastating to the physical, mental and financial well being of all family members. How can a person avoid Sudden Divorce Syndrome? One way is to work on your marriage while it can still be salvaged. Statistically, end-stage marriage counseling is rarely successful. Try to appreciate your partner each and every day. Find time for a date night or spend a special evening together. Most importantly communicate the love you share for each other and how it has grown or changed over the years.
When you hit that bump in the road and need additional help do not hesitate to seek it. Contact your pastor or marriage and family therapist immediately for assistance.
Best wishes,
Gina
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Are You Ready for Marriage?
Counseling is not just for people trying to cope with the problems in their life. With divorce so prevelant in today's society there are fewer couples to consult with or use as role models. Pre-marital counseling is one way to detemine if you are prepared for one of the biggest decisions in your life.
Counseling can help you recognize where your partner stands on a variety of topics, and where his or her priorities lie, which will confirm your sense of yourselves as a couple or if marriage is the right step for you. As a couple you need to discuss important topics such as religion, children, finances, habits, hobbies, and family issues among many others concerns.
Every marriage presents difficulties and obstacles. Open communication will be what helps you work through them. If you have difficulty talking through the issues in your lives, it is a good idea to learn how to do it while you're engaged.
There are many options when seeking premarital conseling. Your church pastor, community centers, colleges and universities offer marriage-building workshops. You can also look at the Marriage and Family Therapist website for your local resources at www.aamft.org.
Best wishes,
Gina
Counseling can help you recognize where your partner stands on a variety of topics, and where his or her priorities lie, which will confirm your sense of yourselves as a couple or if marriage is the right step for you. As a couple you need to discuss important topics such as religion, children, finances, habits, hobbies, and family issues among many others concerns.
Every marriage presents difficulties and obstacles. Open communication will be what helps you work through them. If you have difficulty talking through the issues in your lives, it is a good idea to learn how to do it while you're engaged.
There are many options when seeking premarital conseling. Your church pastor, community centers, colleges and universities offer marriage-building workshops. You can also look at the Marriage and Family Therapist website for your local resources at www.aamft.org.
Best wishes,
Gina
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)