Help For Women Dealing With Divorce

The end of something that was once cherished can be quite painful. Getting a divorce is never easy, even if you’re the one who decided to initiate it. The reasons people decide to end a marriage are varied and complex, and no two situations are ever exactly the same. Here are some tips for those who are currently dealing with divorce.

The impact of divorce on a woman.

Divorce is a life-changing event that affects both men and women, with women often experiencing various negative financial and emotional effects in the process. For many women, going through a divorce can lead to loss of social support, financial instability, and a decline in mental and emotional health.

As a result of these negative effects, women may also find themselves turning to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as reliance on prescription medications to relieve stress.

A divorce can be a drawn-out and expensive proposition, and once a couple separates, their overall wealth decreases and their individual spending typically increases. Finances can play a major role in the stresses that a woman faces after a divorce.

If a woman stepped back from her career to raise her children or care for her family, she may have fewer financial resources now than she did when she got married. Having financial needs means that she may have to resume a career after years of not being employed, and that’s easier said than done.

The fact that the majority of divorces are initiated by women, doesn’t mean that going through the divorce itself isn’t emotionally taxing. Often, men will start dating and remarry much sooner than women after the divorce, and so it’s not uncommon for a woman to still be emotionally reeling when her ex starts dating again.

Women also may be less likely to quickly enter a new relationship after a divorce because they tend to have better emotional support systems than men.

Dealing with divorce

Going through a divorce is usually a difficult time in a woman’s life. Even when both parties agree that it is best to end the relationship, there may nonetheless be physical, emotional, and financial complexities to figure out. What can you do if you’re in the middle of dealing with divorce, or if the divorce has now been finalized?

Support groups.

There are other people who are going through or who have gone through what you are. Finding a support group can help you feel understood and cared for in a trying time.

Lean on your support network.

The process of getting divorced can be long and complicated, especially if you live in a state with processes and policies that slow divorce down. Court hearings can be delayed, and during that time you need people around you who know, love, and can be a meaningful support for you. Embrace your loved ones and let them support you however they can.

Take your self-care seriously.

Going for a run, making sure you get a full night’s rest, or eating a healthy and balanced diet may be the last things on your mind when you’re going through the worst of it. Taking care of these aspects of your well-being is a gift to yourself and your kids.

Seek professional help.

Whether your marriage broke down because of infidelity, substance abuse disorders, domestic abuse and violence, or emotional abandonment and neglect, the end of a marriage is an impactful process and event. It’s appropriate to speak of the complex emotions you experience in this season as grief, and you can experience emotions such as guilt, regret, anger, denial, relief, worthlessness, loneliness, or hopelessness.

Talk therapy at Laguna Christian Counseling can help you immensely by providing you with a safe space to talk through all of your emotions, concerns, and hopes for the future without harboring any fear of judgment.

You may also find it helpful to speak to someone impartial if you feel that you cannot share certain personal thoughts and feelings with your friends or family. Your counselor in Laguna can help you cope effectively with the process of dealing with divorce.