Divorce Self-Care

Coping with Depression after Divorce

 

​Divorce is no easy situation.  It often brings many mixed emotions, including depression.  If not managed, this depression can spiral out of control into a chronic affliction.  Some tips to help you cope with life after divorce are:

• Write a goodbye letter to all of the things you’ll no longer have due to the divorce.  From in-laws to waking up next to someone daily, write it all down in a goodbye letter.

• Write a hello letter, analyze your life and recognize all of the things you will have stemming from your divorce.  From more time to yourself to not sharing the television remote, write it all down in a hello letter.

• Try to get physical contact.  Hug your friends and family more, get massages, or manicures/pedicures.  

• Analyze your internal dialogue.  If you find that the dialogue is negative and self-loathing, change the conversation.  Be kind to yourself and be mindful of avoiding the negativity you may have towards yourself as you move forward.

• Think about what you want for yourself.  Where will you be in one yearr?

 

These tips may help you transition by providing a sense of closure to your marriage while welcoming a new life, goals, and dreams.  Take this time to be self-reflective.  Try to get in touch with who you are as an individual and determine where you want to take your life.  Take small steps and remember to be good to yourself.  Accept support and ask for help if you need it.  Getting a handle on your emotional turmoil early on is the key to prevent it from becoming debilitating.  If it seems it is difficult to manage your emotions in regards to divorce, you may want to consider getting the professional help of a mental health therapist. Divorce is not easy, but remember these exercises and tips and try to utilize them in your coping process!  

 

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Written by: Amanda Furca, Graduate Level Intern, Loring Therapy LLC

Edited by: Charity M Loring, LMSW

loringtherapy.com

Adapted from the Psych Central article, “How To Deal With Depression After Divorce: 5 Actionable Tips,” by YourTango Experts.

URL:  http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2013/12/04/how-to-deal-with-depression-after-divorce-5-actionable-tips/