Going through a divorce is considered one of the most traumatic events in a person’s life. For that reason (and many others), it’s important for you to be aware of your mental health during a divorce and take steps to keep yourself as healthy as possible. These tips from Simple Divorce will help you maintain a positive state of mind as you negotiate your marital separation.
Acknowledge Your Feelings
No matter how amicable your divorce is, you are going to experience a wide range of feelings, from sadness, anger, and fear, to relief and even happiness. It’s okay to feel all of these emotions, but it’s also important to acknowledge them. You are in a period of major change in your life and these feelings are normal and expected.
When you have a negative feeling, know that it won’t last forever and understand that you’re in mourning. You once thought your marriage was permanent and knowing now that it wasn’t is a type of grief that you have to work through. When you have a positive feeling, don’t allow yourself to also feel guilty about feeling positive. You deserve to be in a positive place.
Find Support
Sharing your feelings with others who have been in the same position you are in now can help you get through your divorce in the healthiest way possible. Whether you have a good friend you can talk to or you join a divorce support group, surround yourself with people who care about you. Isolating yourself during this period of your life will only exacerbate stress and anxiety.
In some cases, the spouse was a person’s main support system and they can feel quite lost when that person is no longer available to them. If you’re in that situation, it’s extremely important that you take steps to find an outlet for your emotions. A counselor or therapist is best, but a good friend, family member, or support group are good options as well.
Avoid Making Major Life Decisions
Even if you think you’re ready to completely change your life, the middle of divorce proceedings is not the right time to make other major life decisions. The decision to divorce is already stressful enough. Choosing to move across the country or change careers will add extra pressure to your shoulders that will tax you emotionally and mentally.
Moreover, try to keep your daily routine as similar as possible for both yourself and your children. Routines help you focus on something other than the divorce and make you feel as normal as you can during a challenging time. For your kids, they will understand that things aren’t going to change as much as they might have thought they were, which will be a big relief for them.
Conclusion
Above all, be good to yourself and your body. Try to eat right and exercise regularly to give yourself the physical and mental strength to push through the process. Avoid using alcohol or drugs to cope with the stress and realize that this, too, shall pass.
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