By the time most couples in Virginia want a divorce, it’s usually clear that the relationship is damaged beyond repair, and that divorce is the right thing to do. But that doesn’t mean divorce isn’t a scary proposition.
Fears stemming from divorce or fears surrounding the circumstances of one are natural, and nearly every person going through a divorce has to deal with them. But there are ways to cope with divorce-specific fears and worries.
Common fears connected with divorce
Three fears are most common among those who plan to divorce:
- Fears about money and finances, as divorce can radically change your financial situation
- Fears about any children from your relationship, as divorce can often have an impact on your children, and you may have to adjust to a new level of time spent with them
- Fears about identity, as many married people see their marriage and their married status as a huge part of their core self
Dealing with divorce-based fears
The first thing to do in managing divorce fears it to allow yourself to be afraid and realize it’s perfectly natural. Don’t put too much stress on yourself to be “okay” while going through such a stressful time.
Counseling can help you process your emotions and feelings during a divorce, and the advice of a therapist can provide you with coping strategies and methods.
And finally, consider the connection between your physical health and mental health, as the two are often more linked than you’d think. Getting enough sleep and eating a healthy and regular diet will often work wonders with your frame of mind. And resist the temptation to indulge in bad habits like excessive drinking or smoking.
If you feel fear during the divorce process, you’re not alone. The good news is that you can work to mitigate those fears in a variety of ways.