If you’re going through a divorce, you are most likely experiencing mental health issues that you may or may not have felt before. Even if you initiated the divorce, a significant life change can produce anxiety, depression, and other issues. Because your mental health impacts your physical health and vice versa, it’s important to know how to manage both, in order to find the best outcome during the divorce and as you build your new life. Fortunately, multiple sources are available to help you do just that.
- Talk to a professional. Counseling is helpful even in the most amicable of divorces. With the right therapist, you can discuss how you’re feeling while dealing with the divorce and facing the future. Together, you and your therapist can find ways to appropriately manage your mental health. Remember, untreated depression is a leading cause of suicide. If you are feeling suicidal, get help immediately. Call 911 or 1-800-SUICIDE.
- Speak to your physician. Your doctor will be able to offer a variety of ways to manage both your mental and physical health. A physician can suggest ways to manage your depression and anxiety with medication, psychotherapy, diet, exercise, and more.
- Have a good support network. Surround yourself with trusted friends or family members. They can be a shoulder to cry on, offer a different perspective, or simply go to a movie or out to dinner with you.
- Exercise. Keep moving. Even if it’s just a little, do what you can. Exercise will release chemicals in your brain that will help you feel better mentally and physically.
- Eat well. Depression can affect your appetite. Some people feel no appetite, while some can’t seem to stop eating. Foods like whole grains, dark leafy greens, nuts, and dark chocolate help fight depression and anxiety.
- Sleep. Practice good sleeping habits. A lack of sleep can make it hard to concentrate and function effectively. Avoid discussing the divorce with anyone right before bedtime. Keeping to a schedule, turning off electronics, and allowing time to wind down can help.
- Manage your communication. While communication is important, reading an email when it’s too late in the day to contact your attorney with questions or concerns can cause additional stress. Ask your attorney to send you a text if there is a time-sensitive email you need to see. Otherwise, it can help to save checking your email for the morning.
- Trust your attorney. You hired an attorney to handle the big issues. You have someone on your team who will see things are handled the best way possible. Trust her to know what actions and options are needed. If you have questions about the next steps and what is required of you, don’t hesitate to ask.
At CoilLaw, clients are more than just a case. Managing partner Jill Coil is concerned for the welfare of each client as a whole, with mental health being a key element in moving forward with a fulfilling and positive new life. If you have questions or concerns regarding your divorce, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You do not have to go through this alone. Contact our Salt Lake Attorneys at 801-781-5614.
