The Importance of Self Care During and After Divorce

Going through a divorce stinks, plain and simple. Early emotions range from despondent to fury, and there’s usually a lot in between. Rather than ignoring or suppressing your feelings, it is important to have healthy outlets to vent so that you can attend to the things that need you most, your children. If you’ve had a history of depression, anxiety, or PTSD, these conditions are likely already in an active onslaught as you go through a divorce.  

“One of my clients agreed to share her experience, with her name being changed for privacy,” shares Larsen Law Firm’s leading divorce lawyer in Provo, Utah. Of course, her name was changed for privacy. 

My dreams were dead and laying at my feet. I felt so lonely. I got used to sleeping with an audiobook, music, or the TV on so I could focus on something other than how quiet the house was during my ex-spouse’s week. For a while, I would just sit and stare at the wall, forgetting to eat or drink and getting lost in despair. It would’ve been so much easier if I was a widow. People would offer me support and help rather than turning their head the other way when they saw me. It just hurts. I began therapy and after a lot of work, I was able to feel more like myself again. Now, I make a date with myself each weekend so I can get to know the real, new, divorced me. My advice for anyone going through it? Allow yourself to feel, heal, and hope. 

Janice – age 47 – divorced 4 years 

Rather than focus on the time that their children are with your ex-spouse as being alone, taking the opportunity to do something that you wouldn’t normally do can be a valuable time for self-care. Stream a movie or binge watch that show you are behind on, take a warm bath, go to the movie, hang out with friends or go to a game, etc.  

Divorce is inherently a time to reinvent yourself with a new normal. For some, this means taking a deep look into the past and going back to a time to get back on track. Revisit some old dreams during your time alone to reacquaint yourself to, well, yourself. With a concerted effort, you can come out on the other side with a better frame of mind and be at your best for yourself and your children. 

If you find yourself at the point in your relationship that necessitates divorce, schedule a free consultation with a compassionate divorce attorney with the Provo law practice, Larsen Law Firm.