3 ways to manage the emotional impact of divorce

 Posted on March 19, 2018 in Divorce Mediation

Divorce by its very nature is an emotionally fraught time, possibly being full of conflict and decisions to make under high-stress circumstances. This being the case, it can be important to find ways to cushion the emotional impact of divorce to preserve your stability during this trying time.

Not all divorces are high-conflict and traumatic. There are some strategies that could help you minimize conflict and stress and work through your divorce in a more balanced way. Here are three suggestions that may help you in finding ways to approach your divorce in a way that helps you preserve a sense of emotional stability:

1. Help children avoid negative effects of divorce

Children often become the innocent emotional victims of their parents' divorce. You can minimize the negative impact of the divorce on your children by taking steps to make their emotional well-being a priority. Research has shown that effective parenting through divorce is a protective factor for children. Effective parenting includes reassuring children during the difficult time of divorce and ensuring children feel secure in their parents' love for them.

2. Consider mediation

Not all divorce cases have to necessarily pass through the court system in a long, drawn-out legal battle. Many couples are able to find common ground and shared decision-making in an alternative to litigated divorce, such as mediation. In mediation, the divorcing couple retains control over decisions about their future arrangements and delicate matters such as child custody. Mediation is often more cost-effective than a contested divorce, and also can be faster.

3. Practice self-care

It is vital to take care of yourself emotionally as you proceed through your divorce. This is important whether you are a parent or not. Divorce takes an emotional toll regardless of how amicable the separation is. Be sure to rely on your networks of supportive family and friends to help you through this difficult time. Remember that divorce is a process you do not have to go through alone. Reach out and ask for help when you need it.