Divorce can impact nearly every aspect of your life, from how much time you spend with your children to where you live. The end of your marriage combined with these life changes can take a toll on your mental health.
The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that 17.3 million Americans in the U.S. experienced one major depressive episode in 2017, and you may also experience feelings of depression as you get a divorce. There are steps you can take to protect your mental health as you get divorced and move forward with this new phase of your life.
1. Take care of your physical health
Your physical health can directly impact the way you feel emotionally and mentally. Make exercising regularly, eating a nutritious diet and getting enough sleep priorities during your divorce.
2. Rely on a support system
Confide in your friends and family members about how you are feeling during your divorce and accept any offers for help. You may also want to talk to a therapist about what you are going through or find a divorce support group in your local area to attend.
3. Try something new
Divorce is a good opportunity to reinvent yourself. Use this change in your life as your chance to go back to school, change careers, try out a new hobby or change your hairstyle.
It may feel like your life will never return to feeling normal as you work on a divorce settlement. Try to remember that your life will settle down eventually and look forward to the future.