When experts talk about traumatizing experiences that can lead to unusual behavior and permanent personality changes, divorce is often on the list. Even when someone’s divorce process is amicable overall, it can cause a lot of stress and negative emotions.
The emotional responses that people have to divorce can trickle down into other areas of their life, leading to reduced patience when dealing with their children and/or more mistakes on the job. Those who want to prevent their divorce from damaging other parts of their lives typically need effective ways to address their emotional responses during and after the divorce process.
1. Individual or family counseling
Therapy could involve someone sitting down with a counselor to talk about their feelings or receiving instructions from a social worker on stress reduction techniques like meditation and tapping so that they make rational decisions when dealing with emotional stress.
Anyone going through a divorce or preparing for could potentially benefit from one-on-one counseling. Those preparing for divorce for trying to handle it respectfully might benefit from couples counseling to help them regain communication skills or work through their biggest disputes outside of the courtroom. Divorcing parents with children might want family counseling sessions with everyone present or at least them and the children discussing the changes to the family unit.
2. Support groups or stress reduction courses
New social environments can be beneficial for those going through difficult personal changes. Meeting a small group of people at a divorce support session could help someone talk openly about their experiences with others who won’t judge them and understand their experiences. For those who don’t want to directly discuss their divorce, joining a meditation or yoga class might be a viable means of learning stress-reduction techniques while also developing some new social relationships at the same time.
3. Artistic or creative endeavors
Someone doesn’t have to take up oil pastels or pottery as a creative outlet during divorce, although either option could be both therapeutic and enjoyable. Any kind of creative outlet that someone has previously enjoyed or found interesting might be a way for them to express and process their emotions during their divorce. Adult coloring books, video games that teach new dance routines and any other activity that encourages creative expression can give someone a chance to tap into their feelings and an outlet for the negativity they may have recently experienced. Creativity helps people release and move on from painful emotions.
Those who give themselves space and resources to handle their intense emotions during and after a divorce will have an easier time pursuing emotional equilibrium and happiness in the future. Seeking legal guidance, connecting with supportive people and utilizing a variety of tools throughout the divorce process can help people avoid common mistakes, like letting their emotions dictate their actions.