The divorce process can create many new challenges for you that you may have not experienced before. As a result, you may struggle to cope with the process on a mental and emotional level.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 4.7 percent of adults in the U.S. experience regular feelings of depression, and you may also struggle with feelings of depression and mental health issues during your divorce. The following strategies may help you cope with your divorce and protect your mental health.
Rely on a support system
Do not try to do everything during the divorce process. Rely on your friends and family members for help and accept help from your support system when offered. You may also want to talk to a counselor during your divorce to work through your emotions.
Focus on self-care
Although you may feel like your divorce takes up a large portion of your time, you should still focus on taking care of yourself. Try and get enough sleep, focus on eating a nutritious diet, engage in some form of physical activity every day and do what you can to manage stress.
Avoid conflict with your spouse
Although you may feel angry, resentful or frustrated during the divorce process, try to avoid additional conflict with your spouse. If you struggle to maintain your composure when speaking with your spouse, take a break and then rejoin the conversation later.
During the divorce process, try and remember that life will not feel this way long term. Although it can take time to adjust to this major life change, the difficulties you experience during divorce will likely not last forever.