Protecting Your Mental Health during Divorce

Protecting Your Mental Health during Divorce

Few transitions in life are as stressful and anxiety-producing as divorce, and your mental health and well-being can take a hit in the process. This is not to say, however, that you should simply give in and let your growing anxiety rule your life. There are several basic steps you can take to help you find balance moving forward. If you’re facing a divorce, consulting with an experienced Illinois divorce attorney early in the process can help you protect your rights and your well-being. 

Support Yourself in Order to Support Your Children

Children are naturally the primary concern of parents who are going through a divorce. The fact is, however, that you can’t be there for your children in the way that they need you during this difficult time if you’re barely hanging on by yourself. Consider your self-care efforts during this time something that you not only do for yourself but that you also do for your children. 

Get Organized

Divorce has a way of making you feel unhinged – like you have no idea where your attention should be focused – and that’s because there is not only a lot to do, but there’s also a lot at stake, including:

• Child custody
• Child support
• Property division
• Alimony 

Resolving each of these fairly is both incredibly important and incredibly challenging. You can help turn down the heat by making it your policy to get and stay organized in relation to each term that applies. Methodically gathering your financial documentation and keeping a divorce notebook in which you jot down relevant information and to-dos can go a long way toward clearing space in your head. 

Cut Yourself Some Slack

You’re not a pro at divorcing, and you wouldn’t want to be. Divorce is an obstacle that you have to move beyond, but you shouldn’t expect yourself to be masterful at it. One of the best strategies you can employ is working closely with your divorce attorney throughout the legal process and letting any missteps you make along the way become teachable moments – there’s no reason to dwell. 

Treat Your Divorcing Spouse with Respect

You may not be feeling a lot of respect for your divorcing spouse about now, and that’s to be expected, but there are several very good reasons why you should take the high road and treat them with respect, including

• It’s better for your own mental health. 
• It can help curb animosity in your divorce, which can help reduce the associated cost, outlay of time, and stress. 
• It honors your children’s love for their other parent.

Turn to an Experienced Illinois Divorce Attorney for the Help You Need

The focused divorce attorneys at the SAM LAW OFFICE LLC – proudly serving Rolling Meadows – appreciate how challenging the divorce process can be for their valued clients, and they have the legal insight, compassion, and drive to help. Maintaining your well-being while protecting your parental and financial rights is key, so please don’t wait to reach out and contact us for more information today.