Strategies for Coping with the Emotional Toll of Divorce

 Posted on October 01, 2021 in Divorce

No matter how your divorce unfolded, there is no question that divorce can be one of the most challenging experiences a person can go through. Divorce can be a stressful and emotionally draining experience for multiple reasons. For one thing, divorce represents the breakup of a very powerful relationship, the type of relationship which many people expect to last a lifetime. In addition, the divorce process itself is complex and can require an enormous amount of time, energy and money. Given the heavy demands which divorce can impose, people should take the time to develop strategies to cope with the toll of divorce. People in any stage of the process can benefit from these tips – those at the beginning, middle, or finish line.

#1: Reach Out to Friends for Support

As your divorce comes to a close, it can be tempting to isolate yourself from others. Some people withdraw because this seems like a good temporary way to cope with the situation. The truth, though, is that you should try to reach out to your friends for emotional support during this time. Divorce represents the end of a relationship, and this is all the reason to reach out to friends and embrace the existing relationships you have. Your friends can be a tremendous source of comfort and support during this challenging time.

#2: Talk to a Therapist

Another possible strategy is to talk with a professional mental health specialist or therapist. A therapist can also be a great way for you to destress and discuss some of the things on your mind. During a divorce, there can be a tendency to bottle up many of our emotions and thoughts for the sake of pushing the procedure along. Though this may be the case, we still have a need to release our thoughts and process our emotions. Therapists are trained to exchange information and provide resources when it comes to emotional regulation and processing. Talking to a therapist can be a great way to cope with the demands of divorce.

#3: Embrace Your Personal Interests

As discussed, when you end a marriage, there may be a tendency to withdraw and even sink into depression in many cases. You should try your best to resist this tendency, as withdrawal and depression will only worsen your situation. One strategy to combat this tendency is to fully embrace some of your personal interests and hobbies. Suppose you’re an avid reader, comic book collector, or amateur musician. Embrace your personal interests and you’ll likely find a renewed spark for life. Marriage often takes away time from the hobbies and interests we otherwise enjoyed deeply. Use this opportunity to immerse yourself in your passions.

#4: Draw Closer to Your Family

This one should be a no-brainer. Just as you should reach out to friends, you should also draw closer to your immediate family. Since marriage is the end of an intimate relationship, it makes sense that this ending should cause us to draw nearer to our existing close relationships. Your family and relatives can be a huge source of joy and support during this challenging phase. Cultivate and cherish these familial relationships.

Don’t Do This Alone ~ Help Is Available

These are just a few strategies people can use to better deal with the emotional toll of divorce. There are plenty of others as well. Take care of yourself and seek the help of a legal professional for more information.