6 Tips for Overcoming Emotional Distress When Parting Ways With Your Significant Other
Going through a divorce or separation is an incredibly trying time for your emotions. Separating from a spouse or partner—for whatever reason—can trigger many strong emotions, such as anxiety, sadness, and anger. As you come to terms with what’s occurring, you may be facing the need to move, custody issues, or issues of financial security. This is all on top of the heartbreak you might be experiencing. As the process of your separation or divorce begins, you may be struggling with increased stress, insomnia, or depression.
Coping with the emotional distress of separation is important to help you get through this difficult period. Here are some things you can do:
Find your support group
You will probably be experiencing feelings of isolation and loneliness as your divorce moves forward. It’s essential that you find a support group where you can safely express your fears and concerns in order to cope. Whether that’s friends, family, or a support group for people going through divorce. This is also a good time to get in touch with a therapist to work through some of the more taxing emotions in a secure environment.
Let yourself have time to heal
You’re not going to be functioning at 100% during this time, and that’s okay. Give yourself permission to be functioning at less than optimal levels for awhile. You may not be able to take on as much emotionally or physically as you could before and you may also struggle to be as productive at work. Taking time to regroup and heal is key.
Accept that it’s okay to feel
You are going to go through a lot of strong feelings, and that’s okay and normal. You might feel frustrated, angry, or confused. Those emotions might swing wildly as well. Accept that these emotions are normal and expected and that they will lessen over time. Even if your marriage was unhealthy or you were the one who ended it, it’s still okay to feel.
Prepare yourself for the future
Even if your divorce is amicable, you should still discuss your separation with a divorce lawyer. Some of the best divorce lawyers in London will still advise you to prepare yourself for a divorce to turn sour, and even if it stays amicable, you will still need the skills of a divorce lawyer to dissolve the marriage and fairly split your assets.
Take care of yourself
In this difficult time, self-care is a must. Make time to exercise, even if that’s just taking a walk or doing some yoga, eat well and do things that relax you. Invest in massages, try meditating, and cook simple, healthy meals. You’ll also want to maintain your sleep hygiene and try to get at least seven to eight hours of sleep a night. Try not to make any huge, life-changing decisions and don’t use alcohol or drugs to cope with your emotions.
Find joy in the little things
While you might be struggling right now to see the light at the end of the tunnel, try to find ways to find a little bit of joy. Whether that’s rediscovering hobbies you once had, picking up new ones, or just finding cozy spots to curl up with a book and a cup of tea.