When you start talking to a Mississauga divorce lawyer about dissolving your marriage, you may realize the loneliness you felt during your marriage is growing. Don’t worry—that’s completely normal. People generally begin bouncing back soon after their Mississauga divorce lawyer hands them a Certificate of Divorce.
Loneliness during Your Divorce
Feelings of loneliness are common and usually temporary. There’s a distinct and important difference between loneliness and feeling alone. Loneliness is the acute desire to have people around you, to interact with and to talk to; feeling alone is directly related to hopelessness and the inner belief that no one is able to connect with you.
The Psychology of Loneliness
In most cases, one spouse leaves the marital home during a divorce. Seeing empty space where your ex’s belongings used to be, not hearing the usual background noises and not having anyone to bicker with can contribute to your loneliness.
Even if you choose to live with your spouse during your divorce, you may still experience deep loneliness, because the connection between you has been lost.
Your Mississauga divorce lawyer may be able to refer you to a local counsellor or therapist who can help you cope if you’re feeling overwhelmed, or you can ask friends or family to point you in the right direction. You can also begin the search for a Mississauga therapist on your own.
Combatting Loneliness
No one likes to be lonely, unhappy or bored. Fortunately, most people can begin to mend the gaps divorce has created as soon as they realize they’re suffering (though sometimes, that’s easier said than done).
You may find joining a divorce support group helpful. You’ll be able to meet new people on common ground, and social interactions like these can immediately improve your outlook. Ask your Mississauga divorce lawyer if he or she can refer you to a local divorce support network if you think you can benefit from participating in one.
Getting out and meeting people chases away loneliness, so you might also consider:
- joining a community sports league, taking an exercise class or joining a gym (added benefit: staying in shape while having fun)
- attending town meetings (added benefit: having a say in what shapes your town’s policies)
- volunteering at an animal shelter or non-profit group (added benefit: helping others)
- joining a community theatre group (added benefit: honing your skills and getting to show them off during performances
- taking an adult education class offered by the school district in your community (added benefit: learning something new and expanding your horizons)
Reach out for Help
Many people have a hard time shaking feelings of loneliness—it’s not just you. If you’re struggling, seek help. It never hurts to ask your Mississauga divorce lawyer for a referral to a therapist who can help you regain what your divorce has taken.
