What to Do if You're Depressed

Going through a divorce can be harrowing. The emotional, financial and mental stress alone can make the entire divorce process harder. Many think that once the judge has signed the final divorce papers, things will get easier. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Experiencing depression after a divorce is a common occurrence. But there is help available to you.

The entire separation and divorce process can be a very trying time emotionally. You may experience everything from anger, guilt, hurt, betrayal, and disbelief. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your divorce these emotions can vary. Not everyone has time to sort through these emotions during the divorce proceedings. And once a divorce is finalized, the mourning period for your marriage may begin, as well as uncertainty about what your future holds.

If you are an emotionally and mentally strong person, the healing process will be easier. In fact it may begin right after the divorce is finalized. You may be eager to put this part of your life to rest and see what possibilities await you. You may have divorced yourself emotionally from your marriage long ago. But not everyone experiences this easy transition.
If you have just finalized your divorce and find yourself unwilling to accept the end of your marriage you may be suffering from depression. You may feel stuck in your life and have no idea where to go and who to turn to. Regardless of the circumstances of your divorce you should not feel embarrassed about these emotions. Seeking the help of a qualified therapist or counselor can provide you the relief you need.

With today’s resources you can find exactly the type of therapy that fits your needs, budget, and your lifestyle. Perhaps you only need a session or two of life coaching. Or your feelings may be deeper and you may need extended counseling on relationships and yourself as a person. You can find a therapist to help you with your specific issues. Whatever your needs, know that help is available to you. You just have to know where to look.

You can seek out the services of an individual therapist or counselor. These can be found in the phone book, or a referral from your general practitioner. If the idea of one-on-one counseling does not appeal to you, consider finding a support group. A local church or synagogue may already sponsor a group for surviving divorce. Local community organizations are also great resources in locating support groups. Support groups are usually much less expensive than one-on-one counseling, although you should contact your health insurance company to see what coverage you have. Some therapists do offer sliding scales based upon your ability to pay.

For many divorcees feelings of shame, guilt, and depression are common. There is no reason you should live with these feelings or feel shame in seeking treatment. This is your opportunity to seize control over your life and your emotions. This is part of the new journey you are embarking on after your divorce. Embrace it, do not fear it.