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By Marlvin Ngiza
Mental health experts have underscored the significance of seeking professional counselling for the victims of divorce saying it is necessary to suppress potential mental health issues triggered by divorce.
Society for Pre and Post Natal Services (SPANS) team leader and chief talent, Linos Muvhu, pointed out that if one does not get counselling after experiencing a divorce, the probability of getting harmed from trauma was high hence triggering social ills such as suicides and murder among others.
“Divorces have a huge impact on mental health. They are associated with emotional trauma which can grow to mental instability, sometimes the effects of divorce spill to affect the next generation. Unattended mental health issues have an impact on personal productivity and can cause suicides and killings.
“It is very critical that victims seek professional counselling, as it takes a process of social responsibility to social ills which help to handle these issues. It is necessary to have the victims understand what is on the ground and help them move on well-guided,” said Muvhu
Family therapist Lorraine Mavunga said separation is a huge blow which comes unexpectedly and has been cancer to mental health hence seeking counselling as involved partners is helpful in exploring the issue to putting the situation in control.
“Counselling is extremely necessary to help partners help control the situation. It helps to come up with conflict resolution and in the case that separation has already happened, it helps in improving communication, avoiding destructive behaviours, establishing the way forward for the victims and how the children will be taken care of without tension. I, therefore, encourage couples to seek professional counselling,” said Mavunga.
According to statistics from the Judicial Service Commission, Zimbabwe recorded a 100 percent increase in divorce cases in 2022. In 2021, 1 351 couples filed for divorce and in 2022 the figure doubled to 2 735 cases against 13 436 recorded marriages.