Beyond the Loneliness: Learning to Survive and Thrive after a Divorce

 Posted on January 22, 2016 in Family Law

According to a recent report published by the United States Census Bureau, marriage is alive and well as 55 percent of all Americans have been married at least once in stark comparison to the 30 percent who have declined to walk down the aisle. Although these statistics prove somewhat promising, the findings of the number, timing and duration of marriages and divorces, supported by data pulled from the Survey of Income and Program Participation, it remains evident that America still grapples with one of the highest divorce rates in the world.

Still fluctuating at a 50 percent divorce rate, it is estimated that as the trend continually rises, American couples experiencing a divorce during their lifetime may even surpass the current 50 percent mark. No matter the statistics, divorce is never easy. Even for those looking forward to the dissolution of marriage, divorce results not only in a legal expiration of a civil contract but the loss of a partnership.

For many, the question of how to handle the myriad of emotions and perhaps the onset of depression and loneliness, there are ways to survive and thrive following even the most challenging of divorces.

Mental health advocates often offer the following tips to assist with establishing a happy and healthy lifestyle following divorce.

Revisit Your Uniqueness

Remember what makes you, you and the special traits that interject your uniqueness into your personality. With all marriages, time can quiet your special traits and you may have forgotten just what makes you special. Draft a list of your special identifiers and revisiting the list on a daily basis.

Take Ten

Even during the divorce and especially following the divorce, deal with grief, loss or loneliness by taking ten minutes per day to do something that makes you happy. Talk a walk, plan a special date with the kids, pick up that book you have been wanting to read, enjoy yourself.

Let It Go

Regret and bitterness following a divorce can be the biggest deterrent to moving forward. Leave the regret and bitterness behind by acknowledging your feelings and learning to use pieces of the past to define your future.

Grow a Sense of Humor

Although life following divorce requires new directions and new responsibilities, learning to laugh along the journey is key to alleviate elevated stress levels. Living in the moment will heal the past and present a happier and healthier future.

Think Happy Thoughts

Define what truly is your happy place. Take the time to discover your true purpose in life and be truly honest in your answer. By defining your purpose, you will achieve a true sense of who you are as well developing a positive path to your future.

The skilled Hinsdale divorce attorneys of Martoccio & Martoccio understand that divorce is not easy. With hopes of surviving and ultimately thriving following a divorce, the first step in redefining your life, is opting for quality legal advice. You need not begin this journey alone. Contact our experienced legal team to schedule your consultation today.

Sources:

http://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/archives/marital_status_living_arrangements/cb11-90.html

http://www.divorcestatistics.info/divorce-statistics-and-divorce-rate-in-the-usa.html

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-intelligent-divorce/201309/seven-ways-thrive-after-divorce

https://www.psychologytoday.com/experts/mark-banschick-md

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-intelligent-divorce/201309/seven-ways-thrive-after-divorce