Divorce is an intensely emotional experience no matter what side of it you’re on. Whether you initiated the divorce or not, you’re going to have a myriad of feelings about ending your marriage. Here are some ways to cope with soaring emotional highs and deep lows.

Talking to Trusted Friends

Being able to talk through your feelings is an important part of processing them during your divorce. However, it’s not always wise to be an open book. Avoid talking to mutual friends about the split to keep from putting them in an awkward situation. Don’t discuss the issue with your children either, even if they are old enough to understand more about what’s going on. Instead, talk to a few trustworthy friends who you know will safeguard your private details without judgment and who are less likely to feel like they need to take a “side.”

Practice Self-Care

During highly emotional times like a divorce it’s critical that you take good care of yourself emotionally, mentally and physically. Make sure to balance healthy alone time with time spent in the presence of family and friends. Exercise, eat healthy, even when you don’t feel like it, and invest in what makes you feel great about yourself. Self-care isn’t necessarily a spa day or a warm bath; it looks different for each person. Use this opportunity to explore what your own self-care should look like. These are the things you can come back to when your emotional batteries are drained and need to be recharged.

Surround Yourself with Family

When you get a divorce, it can often feel like the foundation of your life is crumbling, especially if you’ve been married for many years. It’s normal to miss the companionship you once had and it can be difficult to transition from living with someone to living alone. Surround yourself with close family when you need support, love, and companionship after your divorce. Restore familial bonds that you might have lost after your marriage and reinforce bonds that still exist.

Stay Busy

While taking some time to simply sit and process your emotions is important, too much idle time can be detrimental. It can cause you to feel isolated or consumed by negativity, which can often spiral out of control. This is especially true for individuals who are already struggling with anxiety, depression or other mental or emotional disorders. Try to stay busy with activities that you enjoy to help keep your mind engaged in the present without overbooking yourself. Ask a friend to help you find activities to get involved in and who can encourage you to continue putting in the effort.

Make an Appointment with a Therapist

Even uncontested divorces are wrought with emotion, and it’s normal to need some help coping with the end of your marriage and the pressure to start a “new” life. Friends and family can lend an ear, but they don’t have the ability to equip you with the tools that help you navigate and process intense feelings in a healthy way. Consider booking an appointment with a therapist or counselor to discuss what coping strategies may be a good fit for your individual situation.

Contact an Experienced Long Island Divorce Attorney

Divorce is difficult and you need a strong support system in your corner. In addition to friends, family, and counselors, you should also meet with an experienced Long Island divorce lawyer. Your attorney can help you learn about your legal options under New York state law and will discuss with you what strategies are most likely to elicit your desired results. An experienced family law firm is an invaluable resource during your divorce and one you should exhaust frequently.

Our Long Island divorce lawyers understand the challenges you’re facing with the dissolution of your marriage, and we’re dedicated to providing you with comprehensive, zealous legal support from the start of your divorce to the final settlement. Call now for a consultation to discuss your case in detail at 631-923-1910.