Divorce marks a period of transition, while one chapter ends another is just beginning. This is an emotional time and it is normal to feel angry, stressed, grief and anxiety. There is a sense of loss that consumes you and it may be hard to picture moving beyond these emotions.
According to American Psychological Association, there are a few things you can do to achieve a healthy breakup:
- Be kind to yourself. “Researchers have found that people who are kind and compassionate to themselves have an easier time managing the day-to-day difficulties of divorce”
- Consider mediation. “Research shows that mediation can be beneficial for emotional satisfaction, spousal relationships and children’s needs.”
- Know that “most children adjust well within two years following the divorce”
- Take care of yourself by exploring new hobbies, activities and staying active
- Seek help from a professional if you or your child is having a difficult time
The above tips and a good support network are vital at this time but many people also find comfort in reading about a shared experience. Divorce can often feel like a lonely experience but learning about the journey from others can help in any stage of this transition period. As novelist James Baldwin once said “You think your pain and your heartbreak are unprecedented in the history of the world, but then you read.”
Here are some titles to get you started:
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