How To Manage Your Mental Health When Going Through a Divorce

Separating from a partner may be one of the most difficult times you experience in your life. It is a time rife with intense emotions and lots of change. There will be many practical problems that require your attention, including new living and financial arrangements. If you have children with your former partner, you would also be concerned about the stability of their lives. 

You may feel worried, stressed or depressed during and after separation. You are not alone in these feelings.

It is quite common to feel resentment towards your former partner or bitter about new circumstances after separation. You may also feel sad about the breakdown of the family unit, anxious about juggling work and home commitments, scared about the responsibility for your and your children’s financial future, or worried about taking steps to legally end your relationship. You might feel like finding a way forward is even more difficult if you didn’t want the separation and are hoping for a reconciliation.

It is important to find ways to manage these feelings, so that you can move on and feel better about yourself and the situation.

We have acted for a wife who came to see us for preliminary advice following her separation and then asked for some time to consider her options and prepare herself to move forward with financially separating from her former partner. After almost 10 months, she was ready to move forward. It's important to realise that separation is a process, and not an overnight change.

If you are going through a separation, do not give yourself a hard time or feel guilty. Accept that things have changed, and you will need time to come to terms with the separation. Keep your focus on the good. Find time to relax, eat healthy meals and exercise. Set yourself goals to work towards and reward yourself with each small step you take towards the goal. Spend time with your friends and family members, and do things that you enjoy.

If you’re not comfortable talking to friends or family members, see a doctor or counsellor. If you continue to feel down or unhappy, it is important to consider the effect of the separation on your mental health. The following organisations are just a few that may be able to assist you:

• beyondblue – 1300 224 636
• Relationships Australia – 1300 364 277
• Family Relationships Advice Line – 1800 050 321
• 1800 RESPECT (if you have experienced family violence) – 1800 737 732

When you are ready, we at Frank Law are here to support you, advise you as to your legal position and empower you to decide on your next steps following separation.

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