Divorces are painful even in the most amicable of situations, and going through a divorce requires a grieving process much like any other major life change or trauma.
While the process will always have challenges, there are things you can do to make the transition easier. Below, we’ve outlined six simple tips for navigating the divorce recovery journey:
#1: Give Yourself Permission and Room to Cope
Divorce is a huge change that often feels similar to losing a loved one who has passed on. During and after your divorce, allow yourself room to heal and recognize you may need some time off from work, school, and daily responsibilities.
#2: Embrace Your Range of Feelings
Because divorces are so emotional, you will likely experience many different feelings surrounding the situation—often all at once! It’s normal to feel sad, angry, bitter, anxious, relieved, ashamed, disillusioned, remorseful, afraid, excited, and just about any other emotion you can imagine. Be patient with yourself, as your feelings may fluctuate over time.
#3: Don’t Endure the Journey Alone
Even if you feel alone after your divorce, you always have a support network. Reach out to friends, family, neighbors, coworkers, or a support group when you need strength, and consider individual counseling in Denver for extra guidance and support.
#4: Remember Self-Care
Now is the time to truly care for yourself so your body and mind can heal after this loss. Remember to prioritize sleep, exercise, balanced eating, and relaxation for the months and even years following your divorce, even if it means saying "no" to other activities and obligations.
#5: Revisit Hobbies and Interests
If you felt like you got “lost” in your relationship and ceased to be your own person, now is the time to rediscover who you are and what you enjoy. Consider starting a new hobby or revisiting an old favorite activity to discover what makes you feel truly happy and alive.
#6: Work Toward Eventual Forgiveness
Forgiveness will not come quickly or without effort, but in the wake of your divorce, it’s crucial to remember that anger and resentment toward your former spouse will only hurt you and your family in the long run. Rather than dwelling on unhappy memories, take small steps to forgive and move forward toward the next chapter of your life.
Do You Need Additional Support?
At the Counseling Center of Cherry Creek, we understand that no two divorces are the same. Your needs will never look exactly like someone else’s, and you may need additional help from time to time when things get hard.
Our licensed therapists always accept new clients for post-divorce and individual counseling in Cherry Creek, so please never hesitate to reach out to us at (720) 457-3342 when you think you could benefit from working with a relationship counselor.