The end of a marriage will always produce some feelings of loss as it was an important relationship. If you find it especially difficult, it can help to look at the process of moving on and getting past it as you would any other significant loss.
Money Crashers explains that you should take time to grieve the loss of your marriage, which requires going through each stage of the grief process.
Learning the five stages
The five stages of grief are:
- Denial
- Anger
- Bargaining
- Depression
- Acceptance
To get through each stage, you must accept it. Let yourself recognize the feelings you have, overcome them and move to the next stage.
Working the stages
To get through the five stages of grief, it can help to surround yourself with a support system. Look for people you can talk openly with about your feelings and where you are at in the process.
It also helps to redefine yourself as a single individual. You are used to being half of a couple, so your identity needs to change.
You also need to be there for your children. They are working through grief as well, but they do not have the emotional maturity to handle it the same way you do. Help them with the process and recognize what they are going through.
You also need to be social. Do not cut off your friends. Get back out there and try to pick yourself up by having fun and allowing yourself to feel happiness.
Finally, work on your finances. If things go south with your financial situation, it can delay or stall your grieving. Make a plan and work through it to get yourself back on stable financial ground.