Making the choice to end your marriage is a serious decision that will impact multiple areas of your life. You likely made this decision after a period of careful consideration and planning, and as you move forward, you will be making choices that could impact the rest of your life. It is an overwhelming, confusing and difficult process to navigate. It is normal to experience strong emotions at every step, and it is important to know how to manage these feelings so that they don’t have a negative long-term impact.
Temporary feelings are rarely a good indicator of what is truly best in a divorce. If you allow how you feel to be the motivation behind certain decisions you make, it could lead to circumstances that may not make the most sense in the weeks, months or years to come. It is helpful to know how to manage your feelings so that you can think clearly and make decisions that are truly in your future interests and the interests of your children.
Managing your mental health during this difficult process
It is important not to underestimate the potential impact of a divorce on your mental and emotional health. Your entire life will change, and it will affect the lives of your children as well. You understand how critical it is to make decisions that are smart and sustainable. As a way to manage your mental health during this difficult time, you may find the following helpful:
- Don’t dismiss what you are feeling. Allow yourself to experience a range of emotions and acknowledge how your divorce is impacting your life.
- Seek professional help. Talking with a counselor or speaking with a therapist can allow you to express yourself and talk through difficult things you are feeling.
- Focus on the future and rebuild your identity as a separate person. Engage in things that are healthy and helpful, such as family relationships, hobbies and more.
- Take care of your health. Seek assistance if you are having trouble sleeping, struggling with anxiety or experiencing health issues as a result of your divorce-related emotions.
If you are experiencing difficult emotions after your Washington divorce, you will benefit from seeking professional assistance. Effectively managing your feelings can make a significant difference in how you make important choices during divorce. This is a critical effort because not only is your own future at stake, but that of your children as well.