Dealing with the Stress of Divorce

As I get older I have begun to realize how much of my success is due to the support I receive from my family and friends. Without that support system to help me in the difficult times I wouldn't have had the courage and confidence to take many of the chances in my life that have led me to where I am. This has brought me to realize how important our support systems are and how often we take them for granted.

Going through a divorce is often described as the second most stressful event in a person's life (next to the death of a loved one). It is important to find ways to reduce this stress so it doesn't negatively affect other areas of your life.

When people experience the death of a loved one, social conventions provide many events and opportunities for family and friends to provide support. But talking about divorce is different. Sometimes people feel uncomfortable talking about their divorce with their friends and family. In addition, sometimes sharing too much about your divorce case with friends can make its way back to your spouse (as we warned about in a previous post: 5 Worst Divorce Mistakes - MISTAKE #3: "Our friends should know my side of the story!").

If you have a strong support system don't be afraid to lean on them when times are tough (and to be there for them when they need you). If you're having difficulty dealing with the stress of a divorce case, and your support system is not as helpful as you need, then seek professional help. We often recommend that our clients meet with a therapist to ensure that they are dealing with their emotions in a healthy way. If you're comfortable having an attorney help you with the legal aspects of your case, you should also be comfortable admitting you might need help (from family or a trained professional) to help you with the other aspects.

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