Maintain Mental Health

How does a Dad maintain mental health during a divorce? Divorce is one of the most traumatic experiences you can go through. Other than death, it hits you harder than perhaps any other loss. Understandably, you’ll go through significant emotional changes during this trying time. 

 

However, you still need to hold yourself together for the sake of your health and your children. So how can you protect your mental health when the homefront becomes the front line of battle? 

 

Here are six tips to help you cope. Remember, this whirlwind of emotions, too, shall pass. 

1. Lean on Your Support System 

 

When you’re hurting emotionally, it’s tempting to retreat into your shell. Men typically try to hide their emotions behind a facade of stoicism. However, research suggests that, deep down, they may experience stronger feelings than their female counterparts. 

When you isolate yourself during a feelings firestorm, you tend to ruminate. This practice can lead to a descending spiral of negative thoughts. Now is the time for a little help from your friends. 

 

Call them up and ask them to hang out with you to watch the game. Better yet, propose a pickup basketball match at the park to get your blood flowing. You don’t need to turn every gathering into a therapy session — merely getting out and engaged with others will take your mind off your problems. You need to maintain your mental health during the divorce process, so count on your friends. 

 

 

2. Talk to Your Employer 

Your divorce is likely to hinder your productivity at work, at leasttemporarily. However, your boss probably doesn’t have a crystal ball. Unless you tell them why you’re in a slump, they may mistake your performance for lack of enthusiasm. They may even interpret it as a sign that you’re about to jump ship.

 

Email your supervisor to set up a brief yet private meeting. Explain that you’re going through personal issues, but reassure them that you’re as dedicated to your post as ever. Unless you work in a toxic environment, your boss should display empathy, especially if you propose a plan for catching up on anything you miss. They may refer you to resources that can help or offer you PTO to work through your issues. 

 

3. Seek Professional Help 

If you’re uncomfortable with traditional talk therapy, you can also find online support groups and apps. These enable you to access the help that suits your schedule. 

 

 

4. Take Care of Your Physical Health 

You might feel tempted to say, “Who cares if I get fat, anyway,” and order that double bacon cheeseburger. While an occasional overindulgence won’t hurt you, letting unhealthy habits snowball can make you even more miserable. Suddenly, you’re not only dealing with divorce but 20 unwanted pounds, too. 

 

Take the time to prep healthy meals at least most days during the week. Remember to exercise, too. It helps to relieve stress and releases endorphins, two processes that improve your mental health. Plus, it’s easier to sleep at night when you feel tuckered.  

 

 

5. Spend Time With Your Children, If Possible 

6. Engage in Healthy Social Activities

You might feel like doing nothing more than heading to the nearest pub and pouring your sorrows out over shots. However, other than a nasty headache, you won’t get much out of the experience. 

Is it understandable to grow self-indulgent, even petulant, at times? Yes, but overdoing the drink or drugs can lead to addiction. Now, you’ve compounded your problems. Instead, engage in positive activities that give you a mental health boost. It is so important to maintain mental health during a divorce and avoiding substances can help. 

Volunteering prompts your body to release oxytocin, the so-called cuddle chemical. This hormone makes you feel good naturally — and unlike drugs or alcohol, you won’t experience a letdown afterward. 

 

Protect Your Mental Health Through Your Divorce