Expert Tips to Help You Cope with Divorce

Marriage separation can legally be done through having a divorce. The Office for National Statistics had released report explaining that the most common reason for divorce is unreasonable behaviour. Despite this, there are many reasons couples consider a divorce, and every reason is acceptable in the path of improving your wellbeing.

Divorce is quite common. Since 1964, around one-third of all marriages have ended in divorce. And as of 2021, 42% of all marriages were expected to end in divorce. Despite this, many men and women may feel ashamed to leave their partner.  

Well, we’re here to tell you that divorce is all right. If you’re seeking divorce help, here are some expert tips that can guide you through the legality process of separation. This article will highlight the ways that you can process your emotions and cope with the stresses of the separation.

Acknowledging the five stages of divorce

Acknowledging that your emotional responses flare is the first step to coping with a mental health during the divorce. Elizabeth Kübler-Ross, an acclaimed psychiatrist, theorised the five stages of grief in her book On Death and Dying (1969). This is often compared to the five stages of grief. If you’re going through a separation, acknowledging these stages may help you understand your emotions.

1. Denial – At the beginning of the process, you may find yourself in a state of denial. This will enable you to separate yourself from overwhelming emotions, such as stress and anxiety.
2. Anger – Overwhelming emotion often translates into anger. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that the next stage may lead to feelings of hatred and betrayal. It’s in your best interest to process every emotion before moving on to the next stage.
3. Bargaining – You may begin to blame yourself for the events leading up to your divorce. During this stage, you may attempt to find a solution and ‘mend’ your broken marriage. Quite often, this won’t work, but it’s all a part of the process.
4. Depression – After the emotional whirlwind of denial, anger, and bargaining, you may fall into a state of depression. This stage could last the longest and be the hardest to overcome.
5. Acceptance – During this stage, you may begin to find peace in your divorce. Negative feelings, such as anger and depression, may continue.

Seek professional help

Going through a Divorce could be one of the most stressful experiences you of your life. According to the Social Readjusting Rating Scale, divorce is the second most severe life stressor, preceded by the death of a loved one. Permanently separating from your partner may lead to a number of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and even PTSD. Therefore, it’s important to ask for help if you’re going through a divorce.

Take a deep breath, acknowledge your emotions are reasonable, and remember you’re only human.

If you’re struggling with mental health, reaching out for help is going to be a challenge. And that’s completely understandable! Speaking about your emotions is daunting and can leave you feeling vulnerable. In this instance, try reaching out to your closest friends and family members. This is a great way to start your emotional recovery. And that’s what friends and family are for! 

Its probably tough to accept to accept your struggles and even tougher to seek the guidance of a therapist., but if you’re struggling with your mental health for a prolonged period of time, than seeking a therapist is inevitable. Despite being daunting, therapy is definitely worth your time and energy. Therapists are trained to help you through the emotional turmoil of your divorce. You can receive a number of therapies, including CBT, DBT, and exposure therapy. If necessary, you may be prescribed medication. And that’s okay, too!

Prioritise your wellbeing

Its important to not let the stresses of the divorce distract you from what’s important, which is your mental and physical wellbeing. Prioritising your wellbeing will reaffirm your value during this turbulent time. As well as exercising, eating healthy, and getting an adequate amount of sleep, self-care comes from doing what makes you happy. Whether it’s watching your favourite film or spending time socialising, taking time for yourself will help you cope with your divorce.

And continue with this. After separating from a long-term partner, you’ve probably got a lot of spare time on your hands. Fill your life with the things that make you happy! This could be adopting an adorable dog, cooking new and exciting recipes, or attending pottery classes. Really, the possibilities are endless, and each solution is unique to you and your experience. 

In conclusion, its important to take some time to feel at peace with your divorce. We hope this article has reassured you that divorce is a normal process, your emotions are valid, and your wellbeing is the most important thing. Everything else in your life – your family, friendships, and professional life – will fall into place when you have taken the steps to care for yourself.