Five Ways to Protect Your Mental Health During a Divorce

Experiencing divorce can take a toll on mental health in countless ways. As a divorcee and divorce attorney, I know this all too well. When I went through my own divorce almost 13 years ago, it was an emotional journey that affected my overall wellbeing. When I founded ROAD to RESOLUTION, a divorce mediation and collaborative family law firm in Charlotte in 2011, I committed to helping my community through divorce in a healthier way.

As part of that, I serve as a guide for my clients through the entire process. I also want to make sure that my clients are not only staying focused, but also taking care of themselves and their mental health along the way. Here are my top five suggestions for protecting your mental health during a divorce:

Prioritize Self-Care

When I went through my divorce, I was balancing a full-time job at a Fortune 100 company and being a single parent of two. So, admittedly, I didn’t have a lot of free time. But, I knew it was important to practice self-care. This ranged from one-minute breathing exercises throughout the day to treating myself to a long bike ride, or going to a friend’s house for dinner. Find time for yourself – you’ll be glad you did.

Exercise regularly

Whether it’s taking a walk outside, going to the gym, or taking a group class, exercise will help to clear your mind. During my divorce, I focused on my yoga practice and it truly helped me in so many ways. The aspects of centering, finding balance, and practicing mindfulness were exactly what I needed.

Seek Out Support

Finding people who you can talk to about your journey in a personal or professional setting is so important. Counseling and therapy are great options for before, during, and after divorce. There are also plenty of support groups that can be helpful.

Find a Hobby

Channel your energy into something new. For me, that was training for a half-ironman, and volunteering to help make a difference in my community. Some of my past clients have also enrolled in art classes like pottery or painting; tried a new sport like horseback, golf, or tennis; or learned a new language.

Stay Out of Court

Keeping your divorce out of a courtroom will ultimately benefit your overall emotional wellbeing. By choosing a divorce process such collaborative law, your mental health will be a top priority. In fact, during a collaborative divorce we welcome third-party mental health experts to assist during the process. These professionals can help with the emotions of divorce negotiation as we work toward reaching a resolution.

ROAD to RESOLUTION is committed to helping you during your divorce journey while keeping mental health and wellness at the forefront. To learn more about the benefits of collaborative divorce, reach out to my legal team by calling (980) 260-1600 or filling out this online contact form. Our Charlotte-based law firm would be honored to serve you.

Note: This feature is intended to be informational only and shall not be construed as legal advice.