If you’re in the midst of a divorce, you might find it difficult to figure out how to deal with the emotions of the situation. The first stage is denial. This type of reaction is common when couples disagree, and can even lead to a lengthy courtroom process. The next stage is anger and resentment, both of which can impede rational decision-making. Divorce attorneys and therapists can help couples navigate the difficult process of separation.
Bargaining is an attempt to repair the damage caused by the divorce. This phase can be emotionally overwhelming, and many people feel that they will never meet someone like their spouse. These individuals might even convince themselves that they can find someone like them again someday, and try to get their spouse back by convincing him or her to work things out. Whether or not this works out, however, is a matter of personal preference.
Acceptance is perhaps the most pleasant stage of divorce, where the divorcee sees the situation with a new perspective. Their emotions about the divorce are no longer intense, and they no longer feel grief. However, the acceptance stage does not mean that the grieving process is over; a person may still go through stages of anger, bargaining, depression, and resentment. Still, it helps the divorcee work through these feelings.
After denial, cognitive separation is the most common. People move beyond the denial stage. They begin to process their feelings and assess how their spouse treats them. They begin to look at the situation and consider whether they still want to divorce their spouse. Once they reach this stage, it’s crucial to remain calm and communicate with your spouse. You must try to avoid any escapades and stay calm, as emotions can make it difficult to make decisions.
Post-divorce depression occurs as a result of the first two stages. This depression is normal and may be short-lived or long-lasting. However, if it lasts more than a few weeks, it may be indicative of a deep depression or a psychiatric disorder. If your symptoms persist after the third stage, consider seeking therapy. There are many ways to get through a post-divorce depression.
The last stage is depression. This is the most painful, and often the longest, phase of divorce. Taking professional mental health services during this time is a great idea, as these can help you heal from the pain of the divorce. A psychiatrist can also prescribe mild medication for people suffering from depression. Although not suitable for everyone, mild medication can be beneficial in the short-term. It’s important to seek the help of a mental health professional for depression.
Before the separation process, the denial stage is common. During this time, neither partner is able to accept the reality of the situation. Denial is a natural reaction to the situation. People who are not willing to accept the reality of a divorce will often feel anger, doubt, and confusion. They might also feel angry at their spouse for breaking promises. This stage is a defensive mechanism to avoid being emotionally overwhelmed.
The anger stage occurs when the two spouses begin to drift apart emotionally. Though divorce is not on the table, they may feel rejected and unhappy. They might snap at friends or family outside of their marriage. These feelings should be redirected in healthy ways, as they are normal. Anger is a strong emotion that can be very difficult to deal with. It’s important to keep this emotion away from children. So, how do you cope with the emotional turmoil?
The emotional stages of a divorce are similar to those associated with the loss of a loved one. The grieving process will include denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Each stage may take varying lengths of time, and different people experience the stages differently. In any case, it’s best to seek support and guidance from friends and family as you navigate the divorce process. You’ll be more likely to find your way out if you know what to expect from the process.
