Going through a divorce can be overwhelming, and even frightening. Your life could completely change, or you could find yourself at a crossroads of uncertainty.
Whether you have to change homes, you’re wondering about your financial health, or how much time you’ll get with your children, it’s not uncommon to experience anxiety and panic attacks throughout the divorce process.
Unfortunately, that can make the whole experience seem longer, more drawn out, and harder to deal with.
So, what can you do? How can you cope with anxious thoughts and extreme panic while you’re going through a divorce?
Accept Your Feelings
Sometimes, anxiety during a divorce can feel worse because you’re trying to push your feelings down. You undoubtedly have a lot on your plate, and it’s normal to try to appear “strong”. Whether you’re holding it together for your kids or to make people think you’re handling things well, suppressing your feelings can wreak havoc on your mental state.
Instead, choose to accept your feelings, even if you’re anxious.
By acknowledging how you feel, it’ll be easier to process and work through those emotions in healthy, effective ways. Don’t convince yourself you’re not anxious just because you think you have to be tough.
Take Care of Yourself
Self-care is important every day, but it’s especially necessary during a divorce.
Try to do something each day specifically to boost your well-being. That could include going for a jog around the neighborhood, cooking a healthy meal, or journaling.
Self-care helps to boost your mood and your self-esteem—something many people going through a divorce struggle with.
Certain aspects of self-care can also make it easier to deal with anxiety. It puts you in a more relaxed state of mind and can change your perspective on the negative self-talk trying to take over your mind.
Don’t Do It Alone
Don’t Do It AloneDivorce can quickly make you feel like you’re all alone in the world, but that’s rarely the case.
You don’t need to let anyone in on your situation that you don’t think deserves it. However, make sure enough people know so you have a solid support system behind you.
Much like the journal, finding something (someone) who will listen to you deeply and without judgment is one of the most satisfying feelings in the world.
In addition to reaching out to friends and family for help, consider seeking the help of a mental health professional. To combat anxiety, you have to get to the underlying cause of what started it. A therapist can help you discover that cause and provide effective strategies for managing your symptoms.
Explore New Things
When you’re going through a divorce, it’s pretty much all you can think about. There’s no doubt your separation has had your full attention for weeks, if not longer.
Unfortunately, that constant cycle of negative thoughts will only make your anxiety worse.
Instead of letting those thoughts take over, get back into an old hobby or try something new. Not only will hobbies serve as healthy distractions, but they can change your perspective and outlook on life, making things feel less uncertain and scary. When you have anxiety, it’s common to withdraw from things and people you love. Don’t let that happen to you—it only makes things worse.
If you’re going through a divorce or you’ve recently finalized yours, don’t let anxiety pull you under. It’s time to start a new chapter in life, and if you’re struggling with anxiety, it’s also time to consider getting help. Don’t hesitate to contact me to set up an appointment soon for anxiety counseling. Together, we’ll get to the root of your anxiety and set up a plan to move forward.