Going Through A Divorce? Here's How To Get The Support That You Need

25 March 2015
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Going through a divorce is never a fun experience, especially when it comes to all the legal mumbo jumbo that has to be dealt with. Hiring a qualified lawyer to represent you is the most important thing you can do to protect your personal and financial rights. In addition to working with a lawyer, implementing a few support systems into your life is a surefire way to minimize stress throughout the divorce process. Here are six effective options to consider:

Mediation Services

Mediation can help lower your stress levels for a variety of reasons, namely the ability to keep the kids out of the crossfire and to ensure that you are heard and understood throughout the divorce process. Mediation can also help you avoid litigation which save you money and time overall. You lawyer can support your throughout the mediation process by making sure that you know your rights and responsibilities, and coaching you through sticky negotiations as they come up.

Peer Support Groups

A great way to make sure that your personal emotional needs are met is to get involved with a peer support group made up of other individuals who are currently or have previously gone through divorce. These support groups provide insight, understanding, and the ability to make new friends who are in the same situation as you are. If nothing else, the right peer support group will give you an outlet for your frustrations and overwhelmed feelings.

Couples Therapy Sessions

Adult counseling can help you and your partner to come to terms with the changes in your life and learn how to work together in the future toward the best interests of your family overall. It's a way to air grievances in a constructive manner so that solutions can be found and implemented. There are several types of therapy options to consider including:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – challenges negative thoughts so they don't linger.
  • Interpersonal Therapy – works on breaking down relationship barriers.
  • Individual Therapy – Narrows in on specific needs and creates positive coping mechanisms.

Even if your soon to be ex-spouse is not interested in attending therapy sessions with you, it can be helpful to attend them on your own. Not only will it give you the tools you need to positively interact with your partner, but you may find that they're happy to join once they see that it is working for you.

Weekly Dates With Friends

Having a band of friends that you can talk to when you need a little extra support is really important, as it can help you feel less lonely and give you an opportunity to problem solve with the help of someone who has your personal best interests at heart. Maintain a solid support group in your social circles by setting up a weekly lunch date, bowling event, or park walk-a-thon that everyone can get involved in. It will take your mind off of the things that aren't so great in life as well as encourage you to smile, laugh, and create deeper connections.

Involvement With A Hobby

When you need some extra support while you're alone, spending time with a hobby that you truly enjoy is a constructive option. Not only does enjoying a hobby help to make you feel good about yourself, but it helps to stop all the wheels from turning in your head for awhile so you can relax and forget about lingering problems. In fact, learning new skills can help to open up lots of opportunities for you in the future as you rebuild your life after divorce.  

Sports Teams And Workout Groups

Exercise plays a significant role in mental health, as it releases "feel good" endorphins into the brain and reduces stressful thinking which is essential for a healthy body and mind during divorce. Walking, riding a bike, doing yoga, and joining a sports team are all excellent options to get involved with. All it takes is about a half an hour of exercise a day to get positive and long-lasting results.

Implementing just a couple of these options into your life will make a positive impact on everything from your outlook on your split, to your overall happiness in life.