Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s 2016 divorce after more than a decade together became one of Hollywood’s most public and emotionally complex divorces.
Legal disputes over custody and property continued for years, causing long-lasting psychological strain on both individuals and their families.
Angelina Jolie: Emotional Toll and Healing
Angelina Jolie has spoken candidly about the emotional impact of the split, particularly its effect on her wellbeing and her children.
In a 2021 interview with Fashionshe said, “I just want my family to heal.”
She has also acknowledged that she sometimes felt “broken” after the divorce, indicating a period marked by emotional exhaustion and vulnerability.
Jolie has also emphasized that her main concern was creating a sense of stability and security for her children, indicating a shift toward recovery and healing.
Brad Pitt: Struggles with addiction and self-reflection
Brad Pitt has been open about his post-divorce mental health struggles, especially regarding substance abuse.
In a 2017 interview with GQ styleHe admitted, “I can’t remember a day since I got out of college when I didn’t drink or have a joint.”
He described Jolie’s divorce as a turning point, prompting him to seek therapy and attend Alcoholics Anonymous.
Pitt later stated that confronting his habits and emotional patterns was important for his personal growth, resulting from behavioral change.
The psychological impact of public divorce:
The highly publicized nature of their divorce likely increased the stress of constant media attention, which research shows can worsen symptoms of anxiety, depression and emotional fatigue.
Prolonged legal battles and custody disputes can also contribute to chronic stress, affecting both mental health and family dynamics.
Both Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have indirectly highlighted how their divorce affected their mental health.
Their experiences underscore how major life transitions, especially when in the spotlight, can test psychological resilience while opening avenues for recovery and personal transformation.
