How to Heal After a Divorce: Mental Health Tips for Moving Forward
Are you struggling to cope with the emotional aftermath of a divorce or a significant break up? Finding it challenging to move forward and heal?
In this guide, we will explore effective mental health tips for navigating life post-divorce. Discover the benefits of divorce therapy in Calgary and learn how to prioritize your mental well-being during this challenging time.
While the divorce rate in Canada is decreasing, nearly 38% of marriages in Canada still end in divorce, though rates do vary by region, age and other factors. Individuals going through a divorce are at a higher risk of developing mood and anxiety disorders. The end of a serious relationship is a significant mental health risk it is also possible to move forward with resilience and find peace, purpose and ultimately thrive again.
Need Help Navigating Your Mental Health Post Divorce?
Benefits of Divorce Therapy Calgary
People’s reactions to divorce varies --- some cope very well, while others really struggle. The speed and degree of adjustment depends on the individual’s access to resources and post-divorce circumstances, highlighting the importance of accessing therapy for divorcees to support your emotional healing and improve coping.
Healing from divorce involves more than just "moving on." It requires addressing the complex emotions and life changes that come with it. Therapy can play a key role in supporting individuals through this process. Through counseling, individuals can explore their feelings, gain clarity on their needs and desires, and develop healthy coping strategies to rebuild their lives.
Healing through therapy sessions can help you access evidence-based coping strategies and tools to move forward in the healthiest way possible.
Strategies for Post-Divorce Healing: Mental Health Tips
Divorce can be one of the most challenging life transitions, often leaving individuals grappling with a range of emotions, from grief and anger to confusion and fear. Whether the separation was expected or came as a shock, healing after a significant break up is a unique and personal journey that requires time, support, and self-compassion. Here are some tips to support your mental health post-divorce:
Acknowledge & Validate Your Emotions
Divorce brings a whirlwind of emotions—grief, anger, sadness, relief, and even guilt. It’s essential to allow yourself to feel these emotions without judgment. While it is natural to want to avoid intense and difficult emotions, there is a healing available by allowing yourself to process them.
Create a Routine
Divorce can disrupt your daily life and sense of stability. Establishing a routine can bring structure and predictability back into your life, helping to reduce anxiety and feelings of chaos. Focus on simple, grounding activities—such as exercising in the morning, preparing healthy meals, or setting aside time for hobbies—that can provide a sense of control and consistency.
Focus on Self-Care
Self-care is an essential part of the healing process. Engage in activities that nourish your mind and body. Exercise regularly to boost your mood and reduce stress, practice mindfulness or meditation to calm your mind, and ensure you’re getting enough rest. Taking care of your physical health will also positively impact your emotional health, providing a strong foundation for healing.
Rebuild Your Identity
Divorce can sometimes leave us questioning our identity, especially if much of our self-worth was tied to the marriage. Take time to rediscover who you are outside of the relationship. Reconnect with passions, hobbies, or activities that bring you joy, and explore new interests. This process of self-discovery can be empowering and help you regain confidence as you move forward.
Establish Healthy Boundaries (Even for Yourself!)
Healthy boundaries can help protect your emotional well-being, prevent unnecessary conflict, and create a sense of safety. This includes respecting personal space, limiting contact to essential matters, and clearly communicating your needs.
Give Yourself Time
Healing is not a race. Be patient with yourself and understand that there is no set timeline for moving on after divorce. Some days will be better than others, and that’s okay. It’s important to allow yourself time to heal without putting pressure on yourself to "get over it." Remember, emotional recovery is a gradual process.
Seek Professional Support
Starting therapy is one of the most effective ways to heal after divorce. A therapist can help you process the emotional impact of your separation, rebuild your self-esteem, and develop healthy coping strategies. Don't hesitate to reach out to a therapist who specializes in divorce or relationship issues.
Accessing Divorce Mental Health Support
Understanding the emotional impact of divorce and knowing where to seek help can make a significant difference in the recovery process. Unique resources for mental health support are available in Calgary and surrounding areas.
While here at Mend Psychology, we offer individual and family therapy as well as co-parenting therapy, there are also a range of community agencies that offer group or peer programs. There are several agencies offering specific group programming for parents, women, men or queer focused care where individuals can seek support from peers.
Whether you are looking for virtual therapy, group therapy or Calgary/Alberta divorce counselling, we can help or point you towards the right resource for you.
Conclusion
While the emotional effects of divorce can be long-lasting, healing is possible with the right support and mindset.
With time, therapy, and the right coping strategies, many individuals find that they can rebuild their sense of identity, find new meaning in life, and emerge stronger from the experience. It’s important to remember that healing is not about "getting over" the divorce, but rather about accepting the journey toward growth, self-discovery, and renewal.
If you or someone you know is navigating the aftermath of a divorce, Mend Psychology can provide valuable tools for healing and emotional recovery. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you would like to explore how therapy can help you move forward during this challenging time.