Getting a divorce is difficult no matter where you are in the process. From the time of just considering divorce all the way until even after the process is over, a divorce can have a lasting impact on your life. No matter what stage you are at in your divorce, it’s crucial to have a support system to help you get through it.
Although it may be terrifying even knowing where to start looking for support, there are a few different resources that can help you adjust to this significant life change. Here, our lawyers discuss the major types of support you need to survive a divorce.
Friends and Family
Your loved ones are naturally the first people you turn to in times of distress. Divorce often can lead to feelings of embarrassment or uncertainty, which can make it feel more difficult to share your feelings with your friends and family. However, if you feel comfortable enough discussing your problems, they are a good resource to reach out to.
While discussing your divorce with others, it’s important to explain what you need from them in terms of support. Do you need them to just listen? Provide advice? Someone to spend time with to get your mind off of things? Or maybe someone to watch your kids while you deal with legal matters? Whatever you need to help you get through this difficult time, be clear with them. Setting these boundaries from the beginning will ensure you get the support you need to protect yourself.
It’s also a good idea to let them know what you don’t need from them. Sometimes our loved ones may try to make us feel better by saying things like “you’re too good for them” or “I never liked them anyway.” Negative talk like that isn’t always helpful when someone is going through a divorce. If some of your friends or family are not responding with compassion towards your situation, you may have to take a step back from them until you are ready. Remember, right now, you need people that are going to be on your team to get through everything.
A Community
While friends or family members may understand you, they may not necessarily understand what you are going through. Finding support from others that can empathize with you is essential during a divorce. Hearing stories from others dealing with similar issues can help you in numerous ways that push you to move on in a healthy manner.
First, you see the firsthand experience of people who have gone through a divorce and have survived it. This means you are capable of doing it too! Things may be difficult now, but it will end eventually. Second, you have someone to talk to ask for advice on how to deal with certain situations from people in divorce support groups as well. They can share what has worked or what hasn’t worked for them, which can help you gain better insight on how you should proceed with your divorce.
Professional Help
Getting a divorce is a significant change in your life. Anytime people deviate from what they know and are used to, it can lead to an increase in anxiety or depression, even if the changes were anticipated. For some, they only briefly experience these types of negative side effects, but for others, they may last longer. While it’s understandable to be upset over a divorce, sometimes it can feel nearly impossible to get through it. If you find yourself struggling or do not know how to cope with your divorce, it can be worthwhile to look into professional help.
Speaking to a professional like a psychiatrist or psychologist can provide some relief from the stressors of divorce. If you are having trouble sleeping or other physical signs of depression or anxiety, a psychiatrist can help alleviate some of those symptoms. It’s also recommended to speak to a licensed therapist if you are taking medication for these issues during this time. The reason behind this is because it helps you find the root of your problems, which in return can help you overcome them so you can move forward with your life in a positive manner.
Remember, It’s Okay To Ask For Help
It’s common to feel like you have to take on the burden of getting a divorce all on your own, but you don’t have to. It’s okay to ask for help and support when you are struggling. No one can nor should do it on their own. A well-rounded support system is key in helping you get through the divorce process. Friends, family, divorce groups, and professional help are incredibly beneficial to having a positive well-being.
In addition to these measures, you can ensure maximum support by looking into legal assistance from our lawyer. At Cofer & Connelly, PLLC, our compassionate and skilled lawyers understand how important it is to have a support system around you during this time. We want to protect your best interests by making sure you have the resources you need to make the best possible decisions for you and your family.
Let us handle the legal challenges of divorce so you can focus on healing from divorce. Call our team today at (512) 991-0576 to learn how we can help you through this difficult time.