Parents Forever: Impact of Divorce on Adults Educator Guide

Stress Experienced During Divorce

Diagnosing Reactions to Stress

Prolonged stress affects us in all of the following categories. However, our reaction to stress is stronger in some categories than others. Take a few moments to identify your current stress reactions.

Physical symptoms (e.g., headaches, back pains)

Emotions (e.g., sudden anger, depression)

Thoughts (e.g., anxiety about job loss; self-talk such as "I can't do it," or, "I can't live with what people will think")

Relationships (e.g., withdrawal, fighting with other parent, anger at children's demands)

Behavior patterns (e.g., drinking alcohol or using other drugs, losing sleep, procrastinating, isolating yourself or needing constant companionship)

Source: Mary Honstead, HVMHC. July 1995. Winona Co. Divorce Transition Team.

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