Surviving a divorce may seem impossible. Going through the divorce process is always difficult, even when both spouses believe it is in their best interest to separate. It is one of the most significant events in an adult person’s life in terms of loss and grief.
The adjustment is more difficult for some than for others, but grief over the loss of a loved one through divorce can be similar to the grief a person feels over the loss of a loved one through death. Grief manifests itself differently in every single person.
At Bruckner Hernandez Legal Solutions, we are not mental health professionals, yet through our work in the Collaborative Process we have learned the importance of issues beyond the legal component of divorce. In that context, we are sensitive lawyers and do have some suggestions for those who are grieving the loss of their marriage.
Tips for Surviving a Divorce
During the divorce process, you will make decisions that will affect your future. You need to be able to do this in an informed and conscientious manner, rather than from a place of emotional distress.
If you are experiencing grief, working with a mental health professional who is adept at helping to address the emotional issues that you are experiencing may be very helpful to you. They will be able to provide you with coping mechanisms as you move through the grieving process of divorce in order to be better positioned to make important decisions regarding your life and future, as well as for your children if you have them.
Some other suggestions we have for you, just from our experience of working with clients through the divorce process, include:
- Take good care of yourself. Eat right. Get enough rest and exercise.
- If you have physical problems, like not sleeping, visit with your primary medical provider and share with them that you are in a divorce process.
- It is natural to suffer from depression during this time. Tell your doctor about this. You may need a referral to a mental health specialist.
Focus on Activities that Give you Pleasure
Now may be a good time to focus on yourself. Do those things that brought you pleasure in the past. This may be reading books, taking a dance class, rediscovering oil painting.
Try something new. Some find a yoga class or meditation helpful. Perhaps taking an online course in a subject that has always interested you will help you feel better emotionally. Engage in whatever activity you find that lifts you up during this difficult emotional time.
For more information on tips for surviving a divorce, and for assistance in all other aspects of the divorce process, contact us at Bruckner Hernandez Legal Solutions, LLC, to schedule a consultation.