Life during and after Divorce

The breakdown of a marriage and the decision to divorce is likely one of the most stressful life events an individual will face. Dealing with practical and financial arrangements amid emotional trauma may seem insurmountable. Divorce has often been described as a fate worse than death. No divorce is the same;  various factors may contribute to a person or couple's decision to end their marriage. With divorce, comes unavoidable changes. These changes can be complicated to navigate, whether you are a husband, wife, child, or close family member. Many people feel that they cannot see the wood for the trees, so outside help can aid you in seeing past the trauma often associated with it.  

Symptoms associated with divorce

Grief is a natural reaction to loss, and the breakup or divorce of a romantic relationship involves multiple losses:

• Loss of companionship and shared experiences (which may or may not have been consistently pleasurable.)
• Loss of support, be it financial, social, or emotional.  
• Loss of hopes, plans, and dreams (which can be even more painful than practical losses.)

Allowing yourself to feel the pain of these losses may be scary. You may fear that your emotions will be too intense to bear or that you'll be stuck in a dark place forever. Just remember that grieving is essential to the healing process. The pain of grief helps you let go of the old relationship and move on. No matter how strong your grief is, it won't last forever. Talking about your feelings through counselling and planning for your future is the key to moving on.