Divorce is a difficult experience for anyone to go through. Many people feel like they are unable to cope with their emotions and end up feeling isolated and alone. If you are experiencing low mood due a divorce it is important to seek help. In this blog post, we will cover how to overcome divorce depression and provide tips on how to start rebuilding your life. With that being said, let’s get started.

Emotions after a Divorce?

Feeling symptoms of depression can be  common reactions to the experience of ending a marriage. After the divorce is finalized one may oftentimes experience heavy feelings of sadness which can be caused by many factors such as grief, stress, anxiety, and uncertainty. These emotions and experiences can make it difficult to eat, sleep, or concentrate. It can also cause you to withdraw from your friends and family which can make you feel even more overwhelmed with a sense of guilt, sadness and isolation. When these feelings persist they inevitably can lead to depression.

What are the common feelings associate with a recent divorce?

Among the most notable signs include the following:

• Withdrawing from friends and family
• Loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyed
• Increased desire to use external substances to cope with emotions (alcohol or drugs)
• Sleeping too much or having difficulty sleeping
• Changes in appetite leading to weight gain or loss
• Difficulty concentrating
• Constantly dwelling on the past
• Feeling hopeless, helpless, or worthless

How to cope with such heavy feelings:

Fortunately, there are many ways to cope and eventually overcome these feelings so you can heal and move towards your new life. Here are a few tips:

#1 – Give Yourself Time to Heal

Divorce is a process and for so many it may take time to heal. There is no linear process and time frame that is a once size fits all. Everyone takes a different route and time in this journey to heal and or move on. It is important to be patient with yourself and allow yourself the time you need to grieve. Do not try to force yourself to move on before you are ready, by pretending, or moving to the next person to quick. 

#2 – Prioritize Your Health:

One of the best things you can do for yourself is to focus on your health. This includes getting regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, and getting enough sleep. When you take care of your physical health, it will be easier to cope with the emotions you are experiencing. In regards to your emotional health, it is important to find a healthy outlet for your feelings. This could include journaling, talking to a therapist, or attending a support group.

#4 – Reach out to your support system:

If you have a support system of family and friends, lean on them during this difficult time. They can be a great source of comfort and will be there to listen to you when you need to talk. If you do not have a support system, there are many other resources available such as therapy, support groups, or online forums that can be a great outlet alternative.

#5 – Be Patient With Yourself:

One of the most important things to remember when trying to overcome divorce depression is to be patient with yourself. It is natural to want to heal quickly and move on with your life, but it is important to give yourself time  and adjust to your new life. Afterall this was not the plan when you decided to get married to this person. Allow yourself to feel sad, angry, and scared without judgment. These feelings are all a part of the healing process. Accepting how you feel will help you to move on in a healthy way.

#6 – Avoid Power Struggles With Your Former Spouse

One of the main sources of stress and anxiety during and after a divorce is the interactions that take place between you and your former spouse. After all, you are now dealing with someone who you used to be intimately connected to in a very different capacity. There are bound to be disagreements and conflicts, especially if there are children involved. As a result, it is important to try to avoid power struggles with your former spouse as much as possible. Not only will this help to reduce the amount of stress in your life, but it can also make co-parenting and post-divorce communication much easier. Here are a few things that you can do to avoid power struggles with your former spouse:

• First, try to communicate in a respectful and civil manner. This can be difficult, especially if you are feeling overwhelmed with emotion, but it is important to try. Remember that you are now dealing with someone who is essentially a stranger, so it is important to treat them as such.
• Second, avoid getting drawn into arguments about minor issues. If you can let go of the small stuff, it will help to reduce the overall conflict in your relationship.
• Third, try to be flexible and willing to compromise. This is especially important if you have children together. In some cases, it may be necessary to put your own needs aside in order to do what is best for your kids.
• Fourth, try to keep the lines of communication open. This means being willing to listen to what your former spouse has to say, even if you don’t agree with it. It is also important to be respectful of their boundaries and give them space when they need it.
• Finally, remember that you are not in this alone. There are other people who care about you and want to help you through this difficult time. Whether it is a friend, family member, therapist, or support group, reaching out for help can make a world of difference. If you are struggling to avoid power struggles with your former spouse, it may be helpful to reach out for professional help. A therapist can assist you in learning how to communicate in a more effective way and can provide support during this difficult time.

#7 – Take Time to Explore Your Passions and Interests

Take some time to explore your passions and interests. When you’re in the midst of a divorce, it’s easy to lose sight of the things that make you happy. If there’s something you’ve always wanted to do but never had the time for, now is the perfect opportunity to pursue it. Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn how to play the guitar or take up painting. Or maybe you’ve been wanting to travel more and see the world. Whatever it is, taking the time to do things you’re passionate about can help lift your spirits and give you something to look forward to.

#8: Try to Maintain a Daily Routine that Motivates You

It’s also important to try and maintain a daily routine that motivates you. After a divorce, it can be easy to let your life become unstructured and chaotic. But having a set routine can help you feel more in control of your life and give you a sense of purpose. Try to stick to a regular sleep schedule, eat healthy meals, and get regular exercise. And if you can, find a way to fit in some fun activities that you enjoy. Doing things that make you happy will help you get through the tough times.

#9 – Learn to Accept Your Current Situation

Learning to accept your current situation will come with time. You had dreams and a life planned out with this person. It’s not easy to accept that the story you told yourself about your life with this person has changed and not has a different ending.  It’s natural to feel sad and disappointed. But it’s important to remember that this is just a phase in your life and it will eventually end. If you can’t seem to accept your new reality, try reaching out to a therapist or counselor for help. Learning to accept your new situation is an important step in moving on and putting the past behind you.

#10 Reach out for Professional Help

If you’re struggling to overcome the heavy and difficult feelings after your divorce it’s important to reach out for professional help. While the symptoms and experinces can be commmon it’s important to be aware of how they are impacting yoru life. If you find yourself not being able to move on, stuck in the feelings, not participating in the basics of your daily care and life then speak to a your doctor and or reach out to a professional. There are many qualified therapists and counselors who can help you deal with the emotions you’re feeling. If you need someone to talk to, don’t hesitate to seek out a professional. Getting the help you need is an important step in overcoming divorce depression.

Conclusion

All in all, divorce can be a difficult and emotional time. If you’re struggling to cope with the aftermath of your divorce, it’s important to seek out help. Remember to take care of yourself, reach out to your support system, and be patient with yourself. Additionally, if you need extra help, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Cedarway Therapy and we would be happy to help. Click here to schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our expert therapists today.