How to Overcome Severe Heartbreak & Divorce

In 2009, 44 states and the District of Columbia participated in a survey administered by the Center for Disease Control. Results found that exactly one half of all marriages end in divorce. When a marriage ends, it is normal for one or both parties to feel heartache. Sometimes heartache leads to depression. Severe depression harms a person mentally and physically. Mental health experts recommend certain coping mechanisms when dealing with the heartache of divorce. Remember that overcoming heartache takes time, and emotional recovery is never an instantaneous process.

Instructions

• 1

  Stop blaming yourself for a failed marriage. A failed marriage does not mean you are a bad or defective person. Other people have experienced the same sort of pain and survived.

• 2

  Get out of the house. Divorce can reduce your sense of self worth. Take a class, volunteer or adopt a new pet. Spend time with good friends. Ease feelings of loneliness with positive social interaction. Feel better by helping others.

• 3

  Practice healthy life habits. Heartbreak is a huge source of stress. Rest, eat healthy foods and exercise. Overindulgence in food, or using alcohol, drugs or food is a temporary solution that leads to more problems.

• 4

  List your positive qualities. You were a great person before you and your ex-spouse met. Remember why he was attracted to you in the first place. Replace feelings of sadness and anger with positive thoughts of the person you will become once again.

• 5

  Open your heart. Negativity destroys a person from the inside. Never form generalized opinions based on your experiences with one person. Get rid of negativity in preparation for your next great relationship.

• 6

  Talk with a professional. Some people need additional help to deal with the life changes brought on by divorce. Talk with a counselor or psychiatrist to ease the transition. For those with severe depression, psychiatrists can advise additional treatment options, including prescription medications.