As with other types of deep grief, divorce and separation involve profound loss. It is important to have tools, strategies and methods to help cope when going through the end of a relationship.
Coping strategies for separation and divorce
According to Mental Health America, many mental health concerns can arise when going through a separation or divorce. Here are few strategies to help manage our emotions:
- Go easy on yourself: Daily responsibilities and demands may need to be adjusted while coping with divorce. If your productivity may not function as highly as you are accustomed to, and that’s OK. Being depressed, stressed and emotionally drained will inevitably affect your professional and personal life. Now is the time to give yourself a break.
- Allow emotions: When experiencing so many intense feelings, one might be tempted to suppress them. Emotions that are suppressed find unexpected ways of coming out. It is much healthier to recognize how you are feeling and allow the freedom to do so.
- Avoid isolation: You may feel that you must go through this all alone, but it is not necessary. Finding support from friends and family members can help, as well as consider joining support groups.
- Maintain routines: Just as being overly busy can be a mistake, so can throwing out all routines. Keeping a structured itinerary can help to add stability and comfort to your life. The added stress of not fulfilling responsibilities can add unnecessary pressure.
Transitioning from married to divorced can have many unexpected obstacles. It is important to take on the challenges one at a time to not feel overwhelmed.
Relying on professionals during uncertain times can also help when navigating the divorce process.
