The feelings of depression and hopelessness that you have even months after your divorce are not uncommon. Your divorce was traumatic both emotionally and financially. Like many other Texas women, you could have difficulty moving on.
Many factors can contribute to women experiencing these challenges after a divorce. You might have escaped an emotionally or physically abusive marriage, and as you know, abuse leaves lasting scars. You may have primary custody of your children, which can leave you overwhelmed and with financial hardships. If you stayed at home to take care of the children and household while your husband worked, you could have difficulty finding a job that will cover your expenses. The following tips might help you overcome these difficulties:
- Go back to school or enroll in job training classes in your field to update your employment skills.
- If your ex shares custody or has a visitation agreement, encourage him to maintain an active role in your children’s lives.
- Get out of the house. Go to lunch with friends, develop new friendships, exercise regularly and get involved in your community to meet quality people you may be interested in forming a relationship with.
- Remember to have some “me time.” You are likely to have less time to yourself and to be more stressed out about work and finances, so don’t forget to treat yourself with something nice regularly.
- Do not be afraid to seek professional help if your challenges are too overwhelming to handle on your own, or if your children are showing signs of not coping well with the divorce.
Things may seem bleak and unpromising now, but it is important to realize that it will not last forever. It is normal to take a few months or even years to fully recover from a divorce. However, doing something positive and proactive for your situation each day can add fulfillment to your life and help you recover faster.