When you got married, you did not picture yourself getting divorced, but this is a reality for many couples, even after years of marriage.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2019, 746,971 couples in the U.S. got divorced or sought an annulment. The decision to end your marriage can be a difficult one, and you should take steps to protect your mental health as you go through this process.
1. Seek support
Share your emotions with friends and family members during this period of your life. You may also want to join a support group with people going through a divorce at the same time as you or talk to a counselor or therapist about your struggles.
2. Try something new
Reinvest yourself in hobbies or activities you enjoyed doing apart from your former spouse. For example, you may want to join a sports league, go back to school or volunteer for a cause you are passionate about.
3. Acknowledge your feelings
You may feel exhausted, sad, angry and confused, in addition to many other emotions, during your divorce. Accept that these feelings may intensify during the divorce process and remember that they will likely subside as time passes.
The divorce process can take a toll on your mental and emotional health, but trying new things and staying as positive as you can help. Remember that although things in your life may feel abnormal right now, they will eventually settle down so that you can move forward.
