Mental Health and PTSD Considerations in Military Divorce

By Matt Grimshaw | January 21, 2025

Mental Health and PTSD Considerations in Military Divorce Marriages come with challenges that spouses must try to endure and overcome together. However, when one spouse is in the military and develops post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or another severe mental health condition, it can make marriage even more complicated.

Mental health issues usually cause additional stress, frustration, confusion, overwhelmingness, isolation, loneliness, and more. While some people can stick it out and address these issues together, others may have a difficult time navigating the ever-growing struggles that come with PTSD and other mental health problems caused by service-related duties. Ultimately, this can cause relationships to end in a military divorce.

Are mental health issues common in marriages involving military spouses?

Yes, mental health issues are very common in marriages involving military spouses. A study published by the National Center of Biotechnology Information (NCBI) explains that there is a wide range of mental health conditions reported among military service members. Members of the military face incredibly traumatic experiences, and many marriages with at least one spouse serving in the military may deal with mental health issues as a result.

People also assume that the military service member is the most likely one to experience mental health problems. However, while it is very common for military service members to be diagnosed with mental health conditions, the non-military spouse can also suffer mental health issues. As a military spouse, they spend long periods away from their families, have to make frequent and sudden moves, are expected to support their military spouse at all times and encounter a lot of uncertainty.

How common is PTSD among military personnel?

The Armed Forces Benefit Association (AFBA) states that more than 23 percent of military personnel are diagnosed with PTSD, which is significantly higher than the six percent of the general population who is diagnosed with PTSD. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) defines PTSD as “a psychiatric disorder that may occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event, series of events or set of circumstances.” Some of the symptoms that an individual with PTSD may experience include:

Unwanted memories or flashbacks of the traumatic event
Having dreams or nightmares about the traumatic event
Experiencing severe emotional distress when thinking about or reminded of the traumatic event
Avoiding or staying away from areas that remind them of the traumatic event
Avoiding conversations or topics regarding the traumatic event
Feeling guilt, shame, or fear
Isolating or detaching from loved ones
Constantly feeling down, sad, or angry
No longer participating in activities or events once enjoyed
Drinking, doing drugs, or developing addictions to cope with feelings
Easily frightened or startled
Difficulties sleeping
Inability to focus or concentrate
Increased aggressiveness, irritability, agitation, or outbursts

Are there other mental health issues that frequently affect military service members?

Even though PTSD is one of the most frequently mentioned mental health conditions among military service members, there are a few other mental health issues that military personnel often face, such as:

Depression
Anxiety
Drug and alcohol dependency/addictions
Suicidality or Suicide ideation

The role of PTSD and other service-related mental health issues in San Antonio divorce proceedings

PTSD and other service-related mental health issues can play a huge role in your divorce proceedings. Here are a few of the ways that PTSD can make things a little more complicated.

Child custody and visitation

PTSD, depression, anxiety, and other serious mental health conditions will likely come up when the judge is deciding child custody and visitation. This is because the child’s safety and well-being are prioritized when developing a successful parenting plan, which is why the courts need to evaluate the parents’ mental health. Therefore, if it is determined that the spouse with a mental health illness is refusing to get treatment for their condition and could put the child in danger, the court may place restrictions on that parent’s custody or visitation.

Spousal maintenance

Spousal maintenance is another common topic that often emerges in divorce proceedings involving PTSD and other mental health problems. The courts will usually assess the service member’s mental health condition to determine whether spousal maintenance is necessary. For example, if the former service member has a serious mental health illness that prevents them from being able to re-enter the workforce and support themselves financially, the other spouse may be required to provide spousal maintenance after the divorce.

How to navigate a military divorce involving PTSD and other mental health problems

Navigating a military divorce involving PTSD or other mental health problems can be extremely challenging. While you may be used to tiptoeing around your spouse and constantly worrying about their feelings, you need to set clear boundaries with them early on in this process.

To protect yourself and your boundaries, you should consult with a San Antonio military divorce lawyer right away. A divorce lawyer can help in the following ways:

Offer strategies for reducing conflict, disagreements, and arguments
Possibly file a protective order if you or your child do not feel safe around your spouse
Help you find a safer way to communicate with your spouse
Work toward a reasonable parenting plan if children are involved
Help you decide how much spousal maintenance is necessary

If your spouse refuses to cooperate or work with you, your attorney can prepare a strong case to present to the judge on your behalf. The goal is to protect your rights and ensure a fair outcome.

Resources for mental health support for both service members and their families during divorce

It is important to take advantage of resources available to service members and their families during divorce. Here are a few of the resources you should begin getting in touch with or taking a closer look at to help you through this tough time:

If your marriage is falling apart due to mental health issues and you are thinking about filing for divorce, please do not hesitate to get in touch with a San Antonio military divorce lawyer from Grable Grimshaw, PLLC, at your earliest opportunity. Military divorces involving PTSD can be emotionally exhausting. Our team is here to fight for your best interests. Please call our office or submit our contact form to schedule a consultation in San Antonio today.

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