How to Grieve After Divorce

There’s no denying that the divorce process is difficult. Even if things end amicably, you’re going through a loss you probably never expected. It’s not just the loss of a relationship but of a life you built with someone.

You might have to move out of your home. Your schedule with your children might change. You’re also losing the family of your former spouse that you grew to love. Research has even suggested that some people regret getting a divorce after it happens.

Needless to say, grief is normal after divorce. But it can be difficult to navigate on top of the countless other things you’re trying to work through. Trying to ignore your grief will only make it worse and will take a serious toll on your mental well-being.

Thankfully, there are things you can do to honor your grief and start moving forward toward the next chapter of your life.

Be Honest With Yourself

Choose to be open and honest with yourself and others about your feelings. It’s okay to be frustrated, angry, sad, lost, or anything in between. By keeping things inside, your emotions will continue to grow until you cannot ignore them anymore.

You might find that talking about your divorce to those in your inner circle can help. Don’t just talk about the process itself, but how you’re feeling now. It’s okay to mourn the things you’ve lost, and the more open you are to discussing that, the better. 

If you’re uncomfortable talking to others about your feelings, consider keeping a journal. It’s a great way to put your emotions out into the world without having to open up completely when you’re not at that stage yet.

Give Yourself a Break

After a divorce, it’s important to strike a healthy balance in your life. Most people don’t treat the loss of a marriage the same way they do the loss of a person. But, the grief can be just as strong. 

Take a few days off of work. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, get away for a while. Practice self-care by prioritizing sleep, eating a healthy diet, and staying physically active. Most importantly, be kind and compassionate to yourself. Recognize when you need a break, and don’t feel guilty about taking one. 

Discover Who You Are

Now is a perfect time to find new meaning in your life. Your identity may have been rooted in your marriage for years, and that can leave you feeling lost and alone. Consider it an opportunity to open up an exciting new chapter. 

Try new things. Take a class. Meet new people. You might rediscover some old hobbies or passions or develop new ones you never thought possible. You will start the healing process when you see that your life can have meaning again.

Consider Counseling

If you’re still struggling with grief after a divorce, reach out for help. Maybe you went through the process of discernment counseling while you were on the brink of divorce and decided ending the marriage was the right thing to do. But that doesn’t mean the support you received needs to come to an end. 

A counselor or therapist can help you work through your emotions more effectively. They’ll also guide you through the grieving stages and provide safe strategies and solutions to manage your grief at each stage. 

Nothing makes going through a divorce easier. But the loss of your marriage doesn’t have to keep you grieving forever. Try some of these solutions to work through your grief and move forward, or contact me for more information or to set up an appointment soon.