4 tips for emotionally coping with your divorce

Getting divorced is a big life change, and it can be difficult to cope on an emotional level. For many people, divorce creates feelings of depression. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 17.3 million adults in the U.S. had at least one depressive episode in 2017. 

Although divorce can be a struggle, you can still learn to thrive during and after the process. Here are stop tips for coping emotionally with your divorce. 

1. Seek support from others 

Talk to your close friends and family members about what you are going through. You may also want to work through the feelings that come up during your divorce with a counselor or therapist. 

2. Make your health a priority

It is easy to forget to take care of yourself when so much is changing in your life. However, make it a priority to eat well, get enough sleep and exercise when you can. Give yourself permission to take on less than you normally would in your personal and professional life. 

3. Avoid disagreements with your spouse

If your divorce is contentious, try and avoid letting these negative emotions take over your life. Save disagreements for court hearings or mediation appointments. If your spouse tries to start an argument with you, calmly end the conversation. 

4. Explore new interests

Divorce gives you an opportunity to explore interests separate from your spouse. Try out new hobbies, invest time in volunteer work or do something you have always wanted to do, like traveling to a new place or going back to school.