Divorce in most circumstances is a painful, emotionally charged event. It can easily become overwhelming and lead to depression, anxiety and even physical illness. It’s important to take the following proactive steps in nurturing your emotional health to lead to a better outcome and quicker recovery so you can start your new stage of life with as much peace and happiness as possible. Divorce is difficult, but you can survive it not only financially, but also emotionally.
Consider collaborative divorce
If your spouse is cooperative, try the collaborative approach to divorce. This process involves working as a team with lawyers to resolve all issues without litigation. Your team may include child specialists or accountants as well. This method achieves an outcome everyone can be happy with while avoiding court battles or orders. A collaborative divorce can reduce stress and emotional turmoil.
Seek professional counseling
Even if you have a friendly divorce, it’s wise to seek professional counseling for assistance with the transition and emotions. A therapist can give you advice on how to help any minor children involved and useful resources for taking care of yourself during this difficult time. You can also discuss relationship or trust issues to prevent another divorce in the future.
Talk to trusted friends and family
While you shouldn’t open up to just anyone about the details of your divorce, confiding in a trusted friend or family member can help you sort through emotions and find support. It will help calm the feelings of being alone and disconnected from others. Loved ones may also inform you of valuable resources for managing a divorce.
Stay socially active
Resist the desire to retreat from the world during or after your divorce. Connecting with other people can help you heal. This doesn’t mean jumping right back into the dating scene, but rather taking opportunities for healthy social interactions. For example, you can:
- Start a new hobby
- Join a club or organization
- Volunteer
- Attend community events
Take care of your health
It’s easy to get caught up in the complexities of dissolving your marriage and let everything else fall by the wayside. Prioritize both your physical and emotional health for better recovery. Exercise or do yoga. Practice meditation and other calming techniques. Taking care of your well-being will improve your ability to cope with your new life, deal with your ex, heal from emotional pain and parent your children. Learning to handle your emotions also helps you make better decisions concerning the divorce. If you want to learn more about what you can do during a stressful divorce, contact an experienced attorney.
