Today’s guest post from Kathleen Edwards on coping with divorce stress is a poignant one. The storm called “divorce” has been one that many people I know have been through and come out the other side in different forms of themselves. Yes, it is a major event that typically changes one’s self. Here is the experience of one woman named Kathleen.
My name is Kathleen and I signed my divorce papers exactly one year ago. At the age of 39, I never thought I’d be where I am now: renting a small apartment, raising my son Jackson, aged six, virtually by myself, and working and studying part-time. I am lucky in that I live just a few blocks away from my mom and stepdad. They love my son and are always there when he needs a last-minute pick-up for, or when he needs to stay overnight because I start my shift early. I am a nurse and sometimes, my shift can start early in the morning; way before Jackson has to be at school.
How did My Mother Survive Divorce Stress?
I always hoped to avoid divorce after seeing what it did to mom. She and dad divorced when I was 16, and I remember how hard it was on mom. Dad left her for someone at the office and it was something that was emotionally tough for her to take. She cried for the person she thought would be her life companion. I remember her saying that if this had happened many years ago, she would have been able to withstand it much better.
Divorcing in one’s winter years was harder, she noted, because she and dad had so many emotional and financial ties, it was impossible to just ‘cut her losses and start from scratch’. She was severely depressed and it took several years before she found herself again. She did so through volunteer work, where she met Bill, my stepdad. Today, my mother has more than rebuilt her life. But in her darkest moments, I was afraid she would never make it out.
Coping with Divorce and Mental Health
Because I had mom’s experience to work from, I knew the devastation involved when coping with divorce stress, such as its toll on mental health. Studies show that simply having heavy debts is linked to a greater chance of depression and suicidal thoughts, and divorce stress can act as a trigger for anxiety. I wrestled with this mental health condition in my 20’s.
I was lucky, in a way, to know how anxiety can take hold of your body and mind, making your heart race, your muscles contract; the way it can feel as if you cannot breathe, or you are having a heart attack. I was lucky because I already knew the important ways to battle anxiety. It is mainly through controlled breathing, a powerful way to lower the heart rate and to stop the body from hyperventilating.
Reconciliation as a Chosen Road
Divorce is the second highest life event on the Holmes-Rahe Stress Inventory. Because I already knew how stress trigger panic attacks, I resolved to be 100% proactive. My aim, I decided, was not to fight against my husband or engage in a custody war. As hard as it was, I opted to go the route of friendly settlement.
My ex and I each had our respective lawyers, but we also enlisted the help of a life coach. She was amazing, guiding us towards common ground and always helping us focus on the one thing that would glue us together always: our son, Jackson. After a few months with our life coach, the tension became less and, I have to say, almost disappeared. Because we were no longer defensive, we were able to meet for coffee many times and discuss issues such as joint debts, property, accounts, etc., coming to a very fair settlement that even our lawyers congratulated us over.
It is illusory to think that divorce isn’t stressful. Even the most idyllic relationships get strained when they involve children and financial considerations like homes and pension plans. We work hard for our security. Even though we may be emotionally ready to part with a spouse, working our way through the complex mire of our joint finances can be tough.
Being proactive doesn’t simply involve focusing on your relationship with your partner, but also on yourself. Transcendental meditation helped me out when I was coping with divorce stress or feeling in the dumps, as did CrossFit and painting. In the end, coping with divorce stress and other vicissitudes is a personal journey. Each of us should take it in the way that most fulfills us. Doing so can give us the peace we crave.
About Kathleen Edwards
Kathleen Edwards is a freelance writer and editor. She specializes in health and finance topics and loves the research process involved in her job. When not working she loves to travel with her son, music and hiking.
Great post! I’ve actually heard people say while engaged “if it doesn’t work out we can always get a divorce!” But that’s never as easy an option as people may think. That scripture that says “what God has yoked together, let no man put apart” (Matthew 19:6) explains why it’s so hard. When married, you come together as one is so many ways that it’s extremely difficult to break that bond so abruptly. I’m thankful that the Bible offers so much advice to help build a strong marriage and keep it that way. Thank you for this.
Great feedback. I think relationships take work – and it’s so worth it! So nice to have you here.
Wow! I love this. It reminds me of my own blog. Divorce is definitely a hard process. Continue to help and heal through your writing.
The guest post was really well done, I agree. Wishing you all the best too xx
Divorce is difficult, but even worse when you try to leave a narcissistic psychopath. I had no idea what I was up against. Remember that old movie War of the Roses? Well I’ve got the sequel. Looking for a publisher. Check out my blog for anyone who’s ever tried to break free of an abusive relationship.
I’m glad you’re pursuing a healthier single life now, Wende
I loooove this article. I guess you popped up into my newsfeed since I just blogged about my own divorce. Great read. Thanks!
May your divorce go as smoothly as possible, Rakkelle
Hope to never go through a divorce in my life, divorce is one of the hardest things a person can ever go through.
I can imagine that a divorce is very stressful and unpleasant. Change and uncertainty is a killer.
Change can be a major stressor, especially when it is a matter of the heart. Thanks Robbie for taking time here with Kathleen’s story.
Awful experience, but something a lot of us go through, and sometime not just once. :-(
Excellent post from Kathleen. I hope I never need to use these tips but good to know. ;) xx
Thanks for sharing! Hit very close to home!
A stressful time indeed… Thanks for sharing Christy and Kathleen. Hugs
Great post dear…. Divorce are a very dramatic experience from what have seen in my environment, and its difficult for most to bounce back on their feet. But with Kathleen’s experience of friendly settlement, it will help couples facing such healthy faster I believe.
Thanks for sharing
It’s wonderful that you feel the appreciation for Kathleen’s story here xo