After months of being forced to stay in constant and close proximity with loved ones as a result of the lockdown regulations, many people have reached their breaking point, and the stress (financial and otherwise) brought on by the pandemic, is expected to have a marked impact on South Africa’s divorce rate.
The tensions which have been bred under the lockdown is a major contributing factor to the increase in the divorce rates. Marriages which were already in trouble before the lockdown have been exposed to a situation where spouses were in each other’s presence 24/7, with no freedom.
COVID-19 has brought with it a number of psychological effects, depression, and anxiety, and the effect thereof on any relationship is not conducive to a harmonious situation.
As South Africa is forced to face restrictions due to the coronavirus’ resurgence, some believe that a fiercer second wave of divorces may come just beyond the festive season.
Many unhappy couples experiencing marital problems may see the December holiday as an opportunity to come together as a family and repair the fractures in their relationships. At the same time, the holidays can also be extremely stressful and emotionally charged, which may only worsen the problems in a failing marriage.
If one partner has long felt dissatisfied in the marriage, he or she may resolve to make big changes in the new year. This could explain the increase in the number of divorces when January rolls around. The idea of a fresh start may bring about people choosing this major life change.
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Author – Jessica Gooding
