Even though ending your marriage may be the right decision for you and everyone else in your family, divorce can take a significant toll on anyone’s mental health. In fact, according to Psychology Today, divorce tends to be about as hard on a person as the death of a close relative.
You do not have to let your divorce destroy your mental and emotional well-being, however. Here are three effective ways you can stay mentally healthy during your divorce.
1. Think about the future
If your divorce is a bitter one, your soon-to-be ex-spouse may be in the habit of slinging mud. You should try not to take your spouse’s actions personally, though. Remember, your divorce will not last forever, and your current distress will become a distant memory eventually.
2. Keep doing what makes you happy
You should not neglect your physical well-being during your divorce. By staying active, you give your brain a chance to release endorphins and other feel-good hormones. Likewise, you should keep doing the hobbies and activities that bring you joy.
3. Try divorce therapy
You simply may not be able to preserve or restore your mental health without some professional assistance. An experienced divorce therapist can help you keep things in perspective. He or she also may recommend coping mechanisms to help you get through the roughest parts of your divorce.
Ultimately, because you need to be in tip-shape shape mentally to make divorce-related decisions, anything you do to protect your mental health should have immediate benefits.