Do You Have Divorce Trauma?
Those who have been through a divorce know that it’s not a fun time. Ending a marriage can be traumatizing, even if you are the one initiating the divorce.
This is no exaggeration. In fact, many people deal with divorce trauma after ending their marriage. Divorce trauma refers to the emotional and psychological distress that a person experiences during and after a divorce. It can manifest through symptoms like grief, anxiety, and a sense of loss. This distress can be similar to dealing with the death of a loved one. Here’s what you need to know about divorce trauma.
Symptoms of Divorce Trauma
Divorce trauma may manifest in the following ways:
- You may be mad at your spouse for ending your marriage. There may be frustration, bitterness, and resentment as well.
- Being divorced can bring about a lot of uncertainty. Where will you live? What will happen in terms of finances? This can make you anxious.
- Divorce can make you feel sad and not wanting to engage in favorite activities. You may want to just sit alone by yourself.
- Losing a spouse through divorce can be similar to losing a loved one. A divorce can trigger profound grief.
- Loss of identity. Being married can become a person’s entire identity. A divorce may lead to a loss of identity and purpose. You will need to find ways to create a new identity.
- Self-esteem issues. A divorce can make you feel unwanted. You may feel betrayed and rejected if your spouse was the one who filed for divorce.
- Trust issues. A divorce can make you struggle with trusting people, especially if your marriage ended due to infidelity or dishonesty.
- Physical health issues. A divorce can affect your physical health, causing headaches, insomnia, changes in appetite, and digestive issues.
Dealing with Divorce Trauma
To deal with divorce trauma, do the following:
- Seek professional help. A therapist can help you handle emotions and give you ways to cope. They can address the issues you are experiencing and help you find healthy ways to manage them.
- Establish a support system. Get support from friends and family members. Express your feelings with them and use them as a shoulder to cry on.
- Find new interests. Take classes. Try new things. Engage in hobbies that you gave up once you got married. Now that you’re divorced, it’s all about you. Find out what makes you happy.
- Take care of yourself. Be sure to manage your physical and mental health. Eat a healthy diet and engage in regular exercise. Get adequate sleep and focus on improving yourself and doing things you enjoy.
Seek Legal Help
Divorce is a highly emotional event. A person can experience trauma from divorce, and this requires healing and recovery.
Going from married to single is no easy task. Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer Edward J. Jennings, P.A. can help you deal with divorce and beyond. Schedule a consultation by calling 954-764-4330 or filling out the online form.
Source:
marriage.com/advice/divorce/divorce-trauma/
