Tips on How to Be Happy After a Divorce

Divorce is rarely a walk in the park. In fact, some experts say the only thing more emotionally stressful than a divorce is the death of a spouse or child. This stress can lead to depression, anxiety, and a number of other health issues, such as heart disease or diabetes.

If you are experiencing post-divorce depression, you are not alone. And while many divorced men and women suffer from depression, there are things people can do to increase their chances of avoiding it or overcoming it.

Therese J. Borchard, a depression expert and noted author, wrote an article for PsychCentral in which she discusses several ways to beat depression after a divorce. Here are some of the tips she offers:

• Find something you enjoy doing that will keep your mind off the divorce. Concentrating on something else will help you to not dwell on the divorce.
• Change up your routine or try something new. It will help you focus on the new thing in your life rather than the past. Going out into the world and doing new things is also a reminder that life isn’t over just because a marriage ended. Go live your life!
• According to psychotherapist Roberta Temmes, planning is one of the most therapeutic things you can do during a difficult time. Temmes suggests planning anything and everything. You could plan something elaborate, like a dinner party, or something simple, like a trip to the grocery store. Temmes says there is no limit to what you can plan: plan a dinner date, plan when you’ll go to the dry cleaners, plan when you’ll start a new project, plan a vacation, plan to call a friend, plan when you’ll read a book, plan when you will got to the store to buy the book, etc.
• Clean and organize your home. Throw away anything that reminds you of your marriage or your ex-husband or wife. Also, reorganize the furniture or redecorate the house with new stuff so that it feels fresh. This is a healthy way to bring closure to your marriage while creating space for the new things in your life.
• Take the high road. Although it may seem satisfying to seek revenge on your spouse, that satisfaction is only temporary, and it won’t help you get over the divorce any faster. Taking the high road will make you feel good about yourself, and will help prevent an un-needed war with your ex.
• Don’t waste your energy on things out of your control. Divorce is an emotionally taxing process, so it’s in your best interest to rest and preserve your energy for things that make you happy.

For more helpful tips on how to cope with depression and other emotions following a divorce, please feel free to contact the Law Office of Teresa Beyers today to speak with a knowledgeable Los Angeles divorce lawyer.