Divorce is heavy, and it can completely scramble your emotions, making it easy for depression to set in. But coping in a healthy way can help many going through a divorce come out healthy and happy on the other side.
4 Ways to Battle Divorce-Related Depression
Try these four simple but effective suggestions for coping with the negative emotions surrounding divorce:
- Start a journal – In a 2002 report in the Annals of Behavioral Medicine, researchers from the University of Iowa found that individuals writing about their own cognition and emotions “developed greater awareness of the positive benefits of the stressful event than the other two groups.” The other two groups focused on emotions and writing factually about news events. Use a journal to vent, to clarify your thoughts and to list things for which you’re grateful.
- Talk to a friend – Friends are sometimes just the comfort you need. Trusted friends can be a great sounding board, and they can give you a fresher, more positive perspective, especially when you’re stuck in a negative cyclical thinking pattern.
- Get lost in a book – Sometimes, distraction can be a useful tool when going through a period of depression, explains Elisha Goldstein, Ph.D. on MentalHelp.net. Try reading a book, watching a movie, cooking or exercising to give your mind a brief hiatus.
- Do something new – Changing your routine can help break up stagnant, depressing thoughts. Trying a new activity, learning a new skill or even changing up your wardrobe will help bring a little spark to your daily life. If ever there was a time to reinvent yourself, this is it!
As you’re going through a divorce, make sure to have the resources on hand that you need to help you through the journey. You do not have to go it alone. Friends, a counselor and an attorney all can be great allies when you experience depression in divorce.
Finding a Divorce Attorney You Can Trust
Having an attorney help handle your divorce can be immensely helpful; you’ll have someone who can take care of all the legal minutiae so you can focus on recuperating and healing. Feel free to contact our divorce attorneys at Warren & Migliaccio to schedule a free consultation at (888) 584-9614.
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