A divorce is extremely stressful to deal with. Therefore, many people will find ways to cope that aren’t necessarily healthy to them. Maybe you’re drinking more, eating, spending money… No matter your coping method, it’s important that you have some outlet for those emotions you’re feeling. However, unhealthy coping methods are just that— unhealthy. While you might feel down, and want to do something that makes you feel good— it’s important to find healthy ways to express those emotions and feelings. But, what can you do? In fact, healthy coping methods come in different forms for every single person. What works for me might not work for you. However, managing your emotions is extremely important.
Healthy Coping Methods: Avoiding Divorce Depression
What are unhealthy coping methods?
We mentioned a few up above, which are fairly predictable. Unhealthy coping methods are going to basically be any sort of behavior you’re using to escape, that is also destructive to you in some way. Take binge drinking for example: binge drinking is damaging your body, and can also result in poor decision making.
However, there are plenty of unhealthy ways to cope, such as not eating, sleeping all the time, and so forth. It’s finding those healthy coping methods than can make a big difference in your quality of life.
Replacing negative behaviors with positive ones
You might have the urge to sit in a dark room and drink until you aren’t sad anymore. However, this will not fix the problem— and might create another one while you’re at it. Instead, find a hobby that lets your mind run free. Write poetry, play a sport, paint, sing…. Find an outlet for those emotions that works for you, and run with it.
Some examples of healthy coping methods
Find ways to take all of that energy, good and bad, and channel it in a way that works for you. Sports, or exercising, are two really great ways to relieve stress, and also avoid falling into a slump. However, exercise doesn’t always get you out of your head. Sometimes, a creative outlet is better for occupying your mind— such as painting.
Take time to reflect
Your marriage ended for a reason. However, it can sometimes to be difficult to let go, grow, and move forward. Therefore, even though it’s painful, we highly suggest taking a bit of time to reflect on your marriage, divorce, and what you can learn from the process. We all have opportunities to better ourselves, grow, and become better people for ourselves and the people around us. While reflecting on sad times can be difficult, it’s a healthy coping mechanism that can help you avoid those unhealthy habits.
