Marriage separation or a relationship breakdown can feel like the end of the world, and everyone’s situation and experiences are unique to them in this scenario. Still, that doesn’t make it any easier to go through. Whether married or not, the end of a relationship with a partner can trigger myriad emotions and send people on a rollercoaster of ups and downs.
To help those going through a divorce or separation, here are a few coping tips to smoothen out the experience, tackle emotions healthily, and reach the light at the end of the tunnel.
Accept
Denial often occurs during separation due to the memories and thoughts in mind – memories from the past and ruminating over how the relationship came to this endpoint. While normal, this approach can become an obsession, which is far from healthy and serves no purpose except to cause misery. Acceptance of what has happened and what is happening (and what will happen – i.e., the couple parting ways) is essential for healing.
There are many ways to facilitate acceptance, too, including distractions and exploring new things to enrich one’s life. Join a social club, try new hobbies, learn to sing and dance, try new foods, and, if funds permit, travel. These activities enable a grieving heart to experience novelty, see things from a different perspective, and even discover new passions.
However, heading straight into a new relationship isn’t ideal; giving oneself time and space and recovering internally is vital before searching for romance so soon.
Seek Support from Loved Ones
Sharing is caring, and a problem half shared is one half solved. Getting support from loved ones, be it a parent, children, sibling, or friend, is priceless in this instance. That said, speaking with someone trusted is crucial – a person with whom you know your conversation is safe.
In some cases, a couple may wish to keep their separation private. If so, online support groups, in-person support, and even therapy with a counselor could be best. Whatever the case, it’s important not to let emotions fester; bottling up will make things worse – there needs to be an outlet.
Get Professional Help
For those without the support of loved ones or who may feel uncomfortable discussing their separation, professional help is an option. It’s also advised anyway since professional support and therapy offer significant benefits. But if a marriage is hurtling toward divorce, legal assistance may be necessary on both sides to help the couple tackle the process – from joint bank accounts and asset ownership and division to child support.
However, if the separation is not amicable or has seen serious problems like abuse, assistance beyond counseling and divorce lawyers is necessary. In cases of domestic violence, for example, an attorney specializing in this exact problem must be a part of the plans.
Legal services for victims may also differ, depending on the state or city. For instance, a domestic violence lawyer Chicago has serving the city will be equipped to navigate the laws of that locale.
In contrast, one on the other side of the country in, say, New Mexico or Florida will be more versed in the laws of their land. That’s why domestic abuse victims should ideally seek legal counsel in their area where possible.
Conclusion
Ultimately, whether married or not, separation is hard – and it doesn’t come with a “how to” handbook, either. But adhering to these tips should help couples ride the waves and smoothen out problems when sailing through the challenging times of divorce and breakups.
