12
Oct
Ways to Cope with a Separation and Divorce
These steps are from an article found on Mental Health America.
Step 1: Recognize that it’s OK to have different feelings.
Step 2: Give yourself a break.
Step 3: Don’t go through this alone.
Step 4: Take care of yourself emotionally and physically.
Step 5: Avoid power struggles and arguments with your spouse or former spouse.
Step 6: Take time to explore your interests.
Step 7: Think positively.
It is important for you to identify your feelings and emotions. You may go through every single feeling but you need to know that it’s okay to have these feelings. Do not try to avoid your feelings because you need to heal by dealing with your emotions. Don’t try to be a superhuman. It is okay to not function at your normal level in life. Take some time to heal, regroup, and refocus. Be sure to have either a friend or family member to lean on during this time. You can also join a support group to help you navigate during this difficult time. The worse thing you can do is isolate and try to deal with these feelings alone. This will end up causing you more stress and effect your overall health. Be sure to continue to eat healthy and exercise. This will help keep you calm and relieve your stress. If you turn to other ways to cope, it will only add to your problems. Take time to find yourself again. We often lose ourselves during the course of a marriage. Rediscover your hobbies or other things you enjoy doing. Take time to enjoy life and breathe. Be sure to find something positive that will be the outcome of this journey. Hold on to that positive thought to help give you something to look forward to during the difficult times. Your life will eventually get back to “normal” or a “new normal.”
If you have children be sure to reassure and listen to them. Try to maintain as much stability you can in their lives and routines. Both parties need to agree on everyday decisions and punishments so the children do not play the other parent. Let your children know they can still rely on you even though things are changing. Last, but not least, do not involve your children in any conflict between the parties. Do not try to get them to side with one parent, spy, or send messages to the other parent.