How to Get Your Self-Esteem Back After a Divorce

For many people, a divorce is a soul-crushing experience. A person going through the breakup of their marriage is not usually in a good place emotionally. They often feel sad, depressed, anxious, rejected and worthless.

This painful experience can really do a number on your self-esteem. You may think you’ll never be happy again. The good news is that while some people don’t move on from a divorce, most people do. Chances are, you will find love again. You will find happiness again. It just takes time, as well as a different way of thinking. Here are some ways to reclaim your self-esteem after a devastating divorce.

Allow Yourself Time to Grieve

A divorce is like a death in some ways. In fact, it is the death of a marriage. Therefore, allow yourself time to grieve. You can’t expect to feel happy again overnight, especially if you were married for a long time. You likely had some good times in the marriage, so allow yourself to think about and miss those happy times.

Don’t Think of Divorce as a Failure

Many people think of divorce as a failure and that really gets them depressed. It’s not a failure, especially if you did everything you could to make things work. Sometimes marriages just run their course. In fact, nearly 50% of marriages will end in divorce, so you’re not alone. Instead, think of divorce as a transition to the next stage in your life.

Create a Happy Environment 

Renovate your physical environment to make it calm and relaxing. Turn your home into a happy place.  Your home is a reflection of you, so make it warm and inviting. It’ll make you feel better about yourself.

Be the Bigger Person 

Refrain from badmouthing your ex-spouse, especially if children are involved. This will ruin your relationship with not only your ex, but your children as well. Even if your ex tries to get you down with his or her behavior, ignore it and move on. Being a bigger person will make you feel like a better person.

Get Active

Sitting on the couch and watching TV only makes a person feel worse about themselves. Get up and get moving! Play sports, get on the treadmill, go for a walk or lift weights. Start a regular exercise regimen and watch your mood and self-esteem improve.

Consider Therapy

Many people think of having to seek therapy as shameful, but expressing your feelings to a therapist can actually help you feel better about yourself. You may discover that you have shame, guilt and unworthiness related to your divorce. By uncovering these feelings and focusing on growth, you can find areas in which you can grow.

 Seek Legal Help

Divorce can be a complicated event filled with negativity. It’s easy to feel sad and depressed during this time, but with some positive thinking, you can feel happy and even excited about your new life.

Fort Lauderdale divorce attorney Edward J. Jennings, P.A. can help you get through the post-divorce blues. He can connect you to the right resources. To schedule a consultation, call our office at 954-764-4330 or fill out the online form.

Resource:

psychologytoday.com/us/blog/constructive-wallowing/201608/7-ways-get-your-self-esteem-back-after-divorce