Even if you have an amicable divorce, your split can come with a great deal of emotional turmoil. Do you know how to transition to the next chapter of your divorce with grace and dignity?
The American Psychological Association offers tips you can put to use. Understand how to improve and protect your mental health as you work your way through divorce.
Allow yourself to feel whenever you feel
During such a massive life shift, expect to experience several emotions, some of which you may not fully understand. Rather than feel frustration at unwelcome or unexpected emotions, allow yourself to feel them, and know that they shall eventually pass. Consider your oscillating emotions during divorce proceedings, understanding that you may need to reschedule meetings with your legal advocate and current spouse for when you feel calm rather than unsettled.
Think about your children
If you and your soon-to-be-ex-spouse share children, you and the other parent should work together to decide how to break the news to your kids, preferably as a team rather than separately. Let them know whether they can expect to change households, give them space to ask questions, and reassure them that both their parents love them.
Tend to your mental and emotional needs
Take time out from divorce proceedings to engage in self-care. Stress, distress, anxiety and depression have a way of sneaking up on you, so the most opportune time to address such negative emotions is before they arise. Reach out to friends and family for support and ask yourself if you may need to seek a therapist’s help to make it through your marital split and sort through your thoughts and emotions.
You have plenty to keep you busy and occupied during your divorce. Add tending to your psychological health to your checklist.
