How to Keep Your Mental Health in Check During a Divorce

Separation is one of the most trying life experiences we can ever go through, which can be considerably more challenging if kids are involved. Furthermore, many experience humiliation, sadness, and loneliness after a difficult breakup or divorce. Your spouse may have been your best friend and the person you relied on in difficult situations. Therefore, it may be upsetting to find yourself without them suddenly, and finding someone else to lean on when you’re hurting can be challenging. In addition, many unjustly take the end of a relationship as a sign of their failure. Also, they might feel like society is pressuring them to find the courage to carry on as if nothing had happened. Yet holding down feelings and refusing to ask for help only leads to frustration and sadness. So, it is no surprise that there is a higher incidence of depression and suicide following divorce. And even if you’ve never experienced depression, keep your mental health in check during a divorce. It can prove to be vital. Remember, you don’t have to go through this challenging time alone. Here is what you can do to protect yourself.

Work on building your support system

It’s crucial to surround yourself with people who empathize with you, listen to you, and provide guidance when needed. These individuals might be family members, friends, divorce lawyers, dating consultants, or online support groups. This is an excellent way to sift through all your thought, feelings, and emotions concerning divorce. Even if they don’t directly advise you on how to manage the circumstance, just being able to express yourself and speak things out may go a long way towards maintaining your mental health.

Acknowledge all your feelings

During such a stressful moment in your life, it’s critical to connect with your emotions. Divorce may cause people to experience various emotions, including desperation, rage, fear, and disorientation. Losing a marriage, a connection, and your previous identity as a spouse may all cause people to experience a profound sense of loss.

However, even a bad marital breakup needs its time to be mourned. And without acknowledging your emotions, you could unwillingly retain feelings of resentment, making it harder to cope with the divorce. However, with the help of introspection, you could discover that not all your feelings are bad when confronting them head-on. For instance, some divorcees might feel a sense of independence and gratitude for the opportunity to understand themselves better.

Don’t overlook the benefits of therapy

Sharing your feelings with a stranger is a fantastic opportunity therapy can offer you during a challenging time. You can enter a safe space and speak openly about your feelings and thoughts. Talking to a therapist after a divorce or separation, or even when you’re in the middle of ending a relationship, can give you a safe, judgment-free space to reflect on your relationship, talk about the many different emotions you’re experiencing, and gain some mental clarity. We strongly advise scheduling professional sessions, especially if you’re going through a difficult divorce. You can keep your mental health in check during a divorce by processing your feelings in a secure environment and seeking competent guidance.

Furthermore, you also have the option to do therapy online, so you could give it a try if you would feel more secure in the comfort of your home. Many therapists offer online sessions, so you won’t have trouble finding one to help you get back on your feet.

Appreciate the small things that can brighten your life

In a challenging situation, learning to appreciate the little things in life might help you maintain a positive attitude. Little pleasures might mean a lot now, whether they represent spending more time with your family and friends or being in nature. You could even begin to understand how vital it is to focus only on the thighs you can control and not take everything so seriously if you take time to enjoy life. Therefore, build healthy habits, stick to them, and keep your spirits up by savoring the good things in life. For instance, even if your ex is not in the picture, cooking your favorite dishes can encourage your children and yourself that life is still beautiful and can continue beautifully.

Time is your friend, not your enemy

Allow yourself time to recover in the best way and put the guilt aside. Furthermore, try not to rush into new relationships or take on obligations you can’t handle until you are ready. Instead, focus on healing and use your time to establish better connections that can help you move forward. People are different and process similar situations differently. But all should realize that this is a chance for personal growth. Growth often comes through challenges, so look at your divorce as an opportunity to learn and grow. Moreover, by giving yourself time to recover, you will have the potential to transform. And with transformation come new roads to explore that you probably didn’t see or think of before.

Self-care is a must

During challenging times, always be kind to yourself and focus on what can improve how you see and feel your current circumstance. Try to take care of yourself by doing relaxing activities every day. For instance, watch a movie, meditate, play games, do yoga, listen to your favorite music, cook your favorite meal, or spend quality time with your kids, relatives, or close friends. Even small daily self-care routines can make a big difference in your ability to feel calmer and more in control of your life. So choose carefully what activities to include in your everyday life to make you feel more relaxed and at ease. You can even engage in activities you have always liked, whether hobbies or working out.

Final thoughts

Going through a divorce is never easy. However, you should never blame yourself for what is happening, as it can irremediably hurt your physical and mental health. Therefore, instead of pulling down the curtain on your life, keep your mental health in check during a divorce by using the tips in this article. Remember, you are not alone, and every challenge in your life is an opportunity to improve and strengthen.

Author bio:    Aliza Casey is a divorce survivor, counselor, and writer. Her goal is to help others heal. Through her articles, Aliza shares her stories, advice, and tips for those navigating life’s most challenging transitions.