A while back we posted about helping kids cope with divorce. If you haven’t seen that post you can check it out here, but today mom and dad, we want to check in with you. Whether it’s amicable or volatile, coping with divorce can be difficult on the adults involved.
First, and foremost, you should know that whatever you are feeling it’s okay. If you’re thrilled, relieved, sad, happy, devastated, a combination of all of the above or even none of the above it’s normal. You likely got used to having one person in your life and any change to a constant can send your emotions into a tailspin. “Getting over it” won’t happen over night, but like with all things, time will heal all wounds.
Accept that you’re ex may not feel the same way you do about things. You’re ex may be on cloud nine while you’re left feeling like there is no happiness in your future. You can not change how someone else feels about circumstances. You can only change how you feel, think and react to your situation.
Embrace what you’re feeling and then face it head on. Hiding from what is going on won’t change anything. Only once you embrace the situation can you begin to assess it and then move past it. There is a chance it will hurt, or there is a chance it feel liberating, but just know that your new normal will soon begin to feel, well, normal.
Think positively about the future. This may seem impossible, but instead of thinking of it as the end of the world, think of it as a new chapter. This moment in your life has presented you with a brand new set of blank pages and you can write anything you want to on them. Make it wonderful in every possible way!
Don’t forget to take care of yourself. Be sure to continue getting enough sleep, eating right, exercising and just taking care of you. When our bodies weaken it feels even harder to deal with change, so keep yourself strong.
Don’t feel like you have to go through this alone. If you need to talk to someone, do so. If you need to vent to an unbiased person, find a counselor and lay it all out on the line. If you need more than one person to show you that you’re not alone, find a support group. You can do this and there are people who can help!
If you would like to talk to one of our counselors, we invite you to call Hammond Psychology & Associates, P.A. at (813) 654-0503.