by Sharon Jones
Sometimes, the end of a relationship can feel like the end of the world. Whilst even short-term relationships ending can be traumatic, when you have been partnered with someone for years, even been married to them, moving on can be one of the hardest tasks you’ll have to undertake. It might even feel impossible - but it’s important to remember that however dark the tunnel gets, you will come out the other side. Surviving the end of a serious relationship is an important part of life, and you can help yourself navigate these stormy seas with a few simple actions, like online therapy.
Give Yourself Time
The most important part of your recovery will be based around not putting too much pressure on yourself. Do not expect that you will be ‘back to normal’ in a week, or two weeks, or even six months. Depending on the length and intensity of the relationship, it may take years to fully heal - this may seem daunting, but it can also be a comforting thought. This is natural and normal, and you do not need to rush yourself through the process. Take your time and accept each stage as it comes, leading to a healthier, happier you in the long run.
Seek Legal Help
If you are going through an acrimonious divorce, the end of the relationship can form one part of an incredibly stressful situation. It’s important that you don’t attempt to address this by yourself - find a trusted local attorney who can advise you and fight in your corner. You may be going through deep emotional turmoil, and their job will be to look objectively at the case and fight for what you are owed. Having a skilled and compassionate professional on your side can help relieve a huge amount of stress from your shoulders, enabling you to get on with the process of mental recovery.
Reach Out to Friends
When it comes to emotional situations such as the end of a relationship, it can sometimes feel difficult to reach out to your friends. You may feel embarrassed, or like you are being a burden. It’s important to recognize these worries as paranoias; your friends care for you, and they will want to be there for you. Making use of your social support network is key to your emotional recovery, so don’t isolate yourself for no reason. Reach out to your friends, and they will know you will be there for them if the situation was reversed.
Rediscover Yourself
Sometimes, it can help to shift your mindset. See the end of a relationship not as a loss, but as an opportunity to rediscover yourself. What activities or TV shows did you enjoy before the relationship, but fell out of the habit of doing or watching once you were spending all your time with your partner? Having new space to independently pursue your interests can be exciting. Fall back in love with yourself, and find the little things in life that you enjoy - once you do this, you will be on your way to leaving your relationship in the past, and moving into the future.
