Coping Strategies for Dealing with the Emotional Burden of Divorce

 Posted on July 05,2019 in Divorce

If you are considering filing for divorce or you have already decided to end your marriage, you are probably dealing with a litany of emotions. Some people feel a sense of relief when they decide to finally end a bad marriage. Others are overwhelmed by feelings of grief or regret. Whatever you are going through, understand that having a strong reaction to the end of your marriage is perfectly normal. Furthermore, there are several steps mental health experts say can help you deal with the barrage of feelings you will experience when you choose to get divorced.

Allow Yourself to Experience Grief and Other Negative Emotions Without Judgement

The Holmes-Rahe Life Stress Inventory is a ranking of the most stressful life events a person can experience. Among the ranking of life events are things like being fired from your job, the death of a close family member, pregnancy, and more. You may be surprised to know that getting divorced is actually the second-most stressful life event on this list. Only the death of a spouse is considered more stressful than divorce. This is just one illustration which proves that anyone going through a divorce deserves to give themselves a break. Do not worry about the feelings you are or are not having. Try to allow yourself to experience these emotions without judgment.

Take Care of Your Mental and Physical Health

More and more research is illuminating the direct connection between emotional well-being and physical health. Many studies show that something as simple as taking a walk or participating in a group exercise class can do wonders for mental health. Experts also encourage anyone going through a divorce to be cautious when using drugs, cigarettes, and alcohol. It can be easy to fall into a dangerous pattern of overuse when your life is turned upside down by the breakdown of your marriage. Lastly, mental health experts encourage anyone coping with divorce to seek out the companionship of friends, family, and other supportive people. Many people find that joining a support group, church or other religious institution, or even a sports or hobby group is an effective way to cope with divorce.

Take the High Road

Divorce often brings out the worst in people. It can turn the spouse you once loved into someone you barely recognize. It can be very tempting to “fight fire with fire” when your soon-to-be-ex-spouse says or does something hurtful to you. However, retaliating against a hostile spouse will only escalate the situation. Taking the high road can help you rise above the drama and focus on your new life moving forward.

Contact a DuPage County Divorce Lawyer

If you are getting divorced and have further questions or concerns, contact an experienced Wheaton family law attorney from Stock, Carlson & Asso. LLC.  Schedule a personalized consultation by calling us today at 630-665-2500.

Sources:

http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/separation-and-divorce

https://www.stress.org/holmes-rahe-stress-inventory