Divorce is one of the most traumatic events a person can experience – anyone who has been through one can attest to that. All sorts of negative emotions come out during and after the divorce process, including grief.
Your Barrie divorce lawyer may suggest that you talk to a therapist during and after your divorce in order to help you work through your grief. Remember that your Barrie divorce lawyer has your best interests in mind – both right now and into the future – and if your lawyer suggests that you talk to someone, it’s because he or she has seen previous clients struggle and wants to show you that you don’t have to suffer alone.
What is Grief, and What Does it Have to Do with Divorce?
Grief is a deep sorrow – and it’s something you may experience during your divorce, even if you are extremely angry with your soon-to-be ex-spouse. The loss of a loved one (even a formerly loved one) is enough to trigger grief, even if you don’t recognize it as such. Your Barrie divorce lawyer is accustomed to dealing with people under the extreme stress of divorce, and he or she may recognize that you’re suffering even when you don’t.
Grief takes many shapes, but it is generally recognized as a form of mourning. Sadness, inability to accept the situation and irritability with loved ones are all symptoms of grief. Some people’s emotions turn into physical symptoms, like aches and pains, upset stomachs or other common ailments that don’t seem to have a cause.
If your Barrie divorce lawyer mentions counseling or therapy, don’t automatically disregard the suggestion. Consider the fact that your Barrie divorce lawyer has hundreds of cases worth of experience – and he or she is trying to help you make it through your divorce as painlessly as possible.
Dealing with Grief During and After Your Divorce
Your Barrie divorce lawyer may advise you to keep a journal during your divorce. This can serve two purposes: it can provide you with an emotional outlet to help you process your grief, and it provides a written record of the sequence of events that are often forgotten because emotions are running high.
Your Barrie divorce lawyer can tell you from experience that every individual grieves in his or her own way. However, grief often (but not always) follows a loose pattern that includes a full range of emotions. Remember:
Grief is normal. Though others may tell you to “pull yourself together,” only you know how to handle your own sadness.
Grieving takes time. Everyone recovers from the trauma of divorce in their own time – and your timetable will be different from that of your friends, family and even your former spouse.
Grieving requires you to be in touch with your own needs. If throwing pillows, yelling or sobbing, or hitting the gym help you de-stress, then by all means, do those things. Do what makes you feel better (within reason, of course).
