Going through a divorce is often a time when you need as much support from your loved ones as you can get. Yet, the end of your marriage can create a lack of such support – especially regarding the support you got from your spouse.
Here are a few things that North Carolina residents should consider to ensure they find the support they need.
Understand: You may be stuck between give-and-take
Frequently, a divorce can leave you in a tough position when it comes to receiving and providing emotional support. You may find yourself caught between:
- Losing the emotional support of a spouse: You may have been experiencing this loss for a while if the emotional relationship between you and your spouse dissipated. Even so, the official divorce – and the official loss of that potential support – can still be incredibly stressful. You may feel even lonelier than before, making the divorce process even more difficult.
- Giving emotional support to children: As we have addressed in previous blog posts, children will need extra support when they learn about their parents’ divorce. Of course, you should not be the only one providing support. It is important for both parents to provide comfort, compassion and support to children throughout the divorce.
Trying to meet both your emotional needs and those of your children can leave you feeling drained. However, there are steps you can take to fulfill both.
How do you manage the space between?
When your needs are met, it is easier to meet the needs of others. If the end of a marriage leads to the end of one source of emotional support, it is possible to find it in other places. For example:
- Do not underestimate self-care: During divorce, attending to your mental health and well-being will be critical. Prioritizing self-care can help ensure you are not pouring from an empty cup, so to speak. You want to support your children through this difficult time of change, but you must also make sure you are in a good place to do so.
- Find other means of support: There may be no replacing the specific emotional support you obtain from a partner. However, you can find support in other places as well. Lean on people you trust, including your family and friends.
Divorce is not easy, even if it is the right decision. Ensuring you have reliable sources of support can help you protect your own needs and your children’s.