Is A Contentious Divorce Impacting your Mental Health?
Do This To Safeguard Your Mental Health During Your Divorce Process
To put it mildly, divorces are a difficult period for most people. It can definitely be a challenge to manage your mental health while going through a separation or a divorce. However taking care of yourself is so very important. It is a stressful time and dealing with family, friends, and the rollercoaster of emotions while working through the legal process can be overwhelming. The best thing you can do for yourself is take care of yourself. In turn, taking care of yourself will be the best thing you can do for your children or anyone else who is depending upon you. Many people feel that putting their needs first in selfish, however it is anything but. Maintaining positive mental health is crucial most importantly for you, but also for those you love.
A divorce brings a range of emotions that can be uncomfortable. Feeling frightened, angry, or overwhelmed are all normal emotions as you transition through the divorce process. You may experience a strong sense of loss or grief. Having support as you go this journey is so important and vital for you. Speaking with a therapist can be very helpful to deal with the difficult emotions that you are experiencing. Working with a therapist can be very beneficial because they can listen with an open mind and be very objective.
A good counselor can help you channel your feelings, emotions, and thoughts in a healthy way so that you can move forward with confidence in yourself. Click here to read a blog we posted here about this topic way back in 2008.
Surround Yourself With Supportive Family And Friends During Divorce
Support from friends and family is important to, but you need to be careful. Don’t rely on their legal advice. Divorce cases are very factually specific and outcomes vary from Court to Court and Judge to Judge. An experienced divorce lawyer is needed here. Often times it can be hard on your friends if they knew you as a couple and enjoyed you both. Don’t ask them to pick sides. Also dwelling on your divorce and constantly venting can be taxing on the friendship. Try to spend time with friends and family and enjoy the support of having them in your lives. Surrounding yourself with loved ones, both family and friends who care about you can be very healing.
Don’t overlook the physical effects a divorce can have on your health. Some of the physical symptoms you might experience could be difficulty sleeping at night, overall fatigue, or even changes in your appetite. It is important to pay attention to these symptoms so that you can manage them before they escalate. Be sure to go see your family doctor if you are having problems eating, sleeping or coping!
Try to practice a healthy lifestyle which includes exercising, eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and limiting alcohol intake. It is easy to fall into a rut, and stop by a fast food restaurant, or neglecting to exercise, but remember you need to put yourself and your well-being at the forefront. If you have children remember you are setting an example for them as to how to handle stress.
Your Mental Health is Important. Take Care lf Yourself and Move Forward with Resilience
Making healthy food choices is in their best interest as well. Taking them to the park to throw the ball, or going for a bike ride, or a walk around the block is a good way to work off some stress. Also consider setting some dedicated time to practice self-care techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises. Anything you can do to help stay focused and reduce your stress level during this difficult time in your life is beneficial.
Getting help from an experienced divorce lawyer is of course key. Find a lawyer who you are comfortable with, and who you feel will not only listen, but be able to represent you zealously. Divorces can be contentious, and it is so important to pick a lawyer who has the ability to maintain composure, yet still aggressively represent you. Don’t be tempted to go this alone. Even if you think you and your soon to be ex can work things out amicably, it is so often not the case. Emotions and tempers can flare when you are divorcing and you need a professional to guide you along your journey. Click here to read a recent blog article I posted on this point.
Remember to take care of yourself during this emotional and difficult chapter in your life. Doing so is not selfish; it is essential for you to do, so that you can move forward with resilience. Be smart, get help and persevere through!
Experienced, Trusted and Professional Dayton Divorce Lawyers
Our experienced Dayton divorce lawyers at Holzfaster, Cecil, McKnight & Mues can assist you with your divorce, custody or dissolution related issues. To learn more, please go to our website at www.hcmmlaw.com or call us at 937 293-2141. We can schedule an in-person conference or one by phone or Zoom. We look forward to assisting you!
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Attorney Robert “Chip” Mues has been focusing his legal practice throughout Southwest Ohio primarily in divorce and family law matters since 1978. Chip is passionate about family law and has proudly published the Ohio Family Law Blog since 2007. In addition, he is the managing partner of Holzfaster, Cecil, McKnight & Mues. To learn more about him or the law firm, visit the firm’s website at www.hcmmlaw.com. Appointments are available in person, over the phone or by Zoom. Call us at 937 293-2141.
