Six Stages of Divorce
Shock
 
Nothing in this world prepares you for the breakdown of a marriage. Feeling debilitated is common, even if you knew things were not perfect in your marriage. The shock associated with divorce is a common experience. Such a traumatic experience causes shock even for the spouse who decides that the marriage should end. This can prove to be one of the most difficult experiences for you and your family can go through. It is a must to have a support group of family, friends, and experienced counseling help for support during this period. Remembering that you are not alone in this experience and having a support base is crucial in dealing with the shock associated with divorce. Reach out to your friends, family, and an experienced counselor like Howard Rudolph and you will be on the road to feeling better. Taking all the assistance you can get during this experience can help you overcome the initial shock that your marriage just won’t work any longer.

Feeling disoriented

This stage of divorce, the disoriented feeling, is often such an intense emotional experience that you may be utterly disoriented and unable to cope with events and circumstances in your every day life. With help from family, friends, and a licensed professional, you can be on the road to coping with these events.

Children

Children are often caught in the middle of a divorce, and rarely understand the painful events as they unfold. They may feel like it is their fault that they are some how no longer loved, and it may affect their emotional growth. It is crucial to reach out to your children and explain to them that while things might not be very going very well between Mommy and Daddy, this does not change the love you have for them. Try to be as honest as you can without including upsetting details, but reassure them that everything will be all right in the end. The reassurance that they are loved by both parents is the most important and make sure that they do not close up and are able to share their feelings with both you and your former spouse. Excluding them in the process, even at quite a young age, could be detrimental their maturing process and emotional growth. Make sure not to say hurtful things about your ex-spouse in front of your child.

Mood swings

You may experience common changes in your daily patterns including Insomnia, a lack of appetite, or even overeating. You can quite possibly experience drastic mood swings, such as panic, rage, and depression to feelings of elation, optimism and then just as suddenly swing back to an overwhelming mood of helplessness. This stage of mood swings can last for a few days or many months, and can be mitigated by seeking professional counseling help. The important thing is to try and recognize your mood swings as they occur and know that it is unfortunately quite normal in a traumatic experience such as divorce.

Visit a Counselor

It could be helpful to visit a professional, licensed counselor like Howard Rudolph to help you through this traumatic experience. Howard can help you deal with the stages of divorce, and even refer you to a psychologist who can prescribe some sort of temporary medication. It is important to seek help, especially if you are caring for children.

Denial

While recognizing that denial is a very natural phase in coping with divorce, you should also realize the dangers that occur when you get stuck with feelings of numbness and, perhaps, denial. Visiting a professional like Howard Rudolph can help you confront the changes in your life due to divorce rather than getting stuck in neutral, and set you on the road to recovery and happiness.