BROOKLYN, New York. Facing the unknown can be challenging. Anxiety can be triggered by a number of causes, but one of the main causes of anxiety is fear of the unknown, major life changes, and social isolation. Divorce involves many unknowns. You may have not lived alone for many years. You may have to suddenly spend time away from your children. Friend networks can be split or be shattered by a divorce and individuals may struggle with loneliness after the sudden loss of a life partner. However, it is important to understand that anxiety is a normal emotion to feel with major life change. Understanding anxiety’s underlying causes can also help you to take steps to both manage your anxiety while also letting you listen to what your body is telling you.
Anxiety is the body’s natural alarm system. It lets us know that we may be in danger of being disconnected from loved ones, in danger of losing resources, or find ourselves facing new and challenging situations. It puts the body on alert. Given all the major changes that can happen during divorce, it becomes clear that anxiety is a completely normal bodily reaction to these changes. So, what can you do to help yourself?
- Focus on the basics. We feel anxiety when we worry we won’t have access to the basic resources we need to live. Figure out where you’ll live. Make sure you get enough sleep each night and eat three healthy meals a day. According to the Huffington Post, exercising is also important. Not only can going to the gym expand your social network, but getting moving can also release endorphins and other positive-feeling chemicals that can combat the bad feelings anxiety can leave in the mind and body.
- Seek help. Lack of connection can make divorce harder and result in skyrocketing levels of anxiety. If you are planning on getting divorced, consider speaking to a qualified divorce attorney. For example, the Elliot Green Law Offices in Brooklyn, New York can help you navigate some of divorce’s toughest and most stressful questions. If you feel disconnected, consider speaking to a counselor or join a support group. Make time to chat with trusted friends and family.
- Divorce can make you feel out of control; think about the things you can control. According to the New York Times, anxiety can sometimes stem from a perceived loss of control. Divorce can make one feel like things are out of control. However, that is rarely the case. You can always treat yourself to a nice meal, phone a friend, go for a walk, or jog. Think about the things that help you feel in control and do them.
- Put away the cell phone and avoid too much internet browsing. Some people avoid the anxiety of their phones by turning off their ringers. Browsing the internet or answering every text the second it comes in might leave you in a constant flight or fight mode, especially if you get too many texts from your ex or are dealing with calls regarding your divorce. Set aside specific space to deal with divorce topics and give yourself time to grow and have peace in other moments.
Divorce can be one of the most stressful events of anyone’s life, but you don’t have to go it alone. The Elliot Green Law Office is a Brooklyn, New York divorce lawyer who works with clients to help them answer some of divorce’s more challenging questions. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.
