How to cope with the stigma of divorce
Divorce can be a stressful, highly emotional life event. Not only do you have to deal with the legal and financial impacts of a divorce, you’ll also have to deal with the emotional and psychological aspects. Coping with the anguish, guilt, and turmoil of divorce is hard enough, and the last thing you need is for others to judge you.
How to Cope with the Stigma of Divorce
The reality of it all is that people will inevitably get divorced. Unfortunately, there will always be those who disagree with your decision, whether it be friends, parents, co-workers, or random strangers. So how do you cope with the stigma of divorce?
To effectively help others and parent your children, it’s important to take care of yourself first. Here are some helpful suggestions to help you with the coping process during your divorce.
Find someone to talk to.
Whether it be a non-judgmental family member, friend, or health professional, it’s imperative to find someone to talk to as you cope with the stigma of divorce. It’s important to confide in someone who will listen to what you have to say and not encourage a more confrontational situation.
Take time out for yourself.
As you cope with the stigma of divorce, it’s essential to take time for yourself. Whether it’s getting out and doing something new or kicking your feet up and reading that book you’ve been meaning to, taking care of yourself is an important part of the coping process during your divorce.
Divorce is a process, and it’s going to take some time to grieve and grow. It’s important to take this time to heal without forcing yourself to move on or rushing into another relationship too quickly.
Build a support system.
Consider attending a divorce support group. This provides you with an excellent opportunity to meet new people, socialize, and make friends with others who understand exactly what you are going through. Building a support system with people you can talk to and rely on is a great way to help you cope with the stigma of divorce and transition into your new life.
Consider professional counseling.
Professional counseling is a great option that can help you deal with the stigma of divorce. A professional can help you work through the complex emotions that often accompany the divorce process. Therapists are trained to serve as an unbiased third party, offering empathy and invaluable insight without judgment.
Find a different perspective.
Divorce can carry a plethora of emotions, from sadness to hurt and fear—but adding the element of shame can leave you feeling alone, marginalized, and even rejected. It’s important to take the time to look at this situation from a different perspective.
The fact that the marriage didn’t work doesn’t mean that you have ‘failed’ or that you are internally flawed in some way. Unfortunately, the stigma of divorce has led you to feel this way unnecessarily.
Best Legal Choices Can Help
Let’s face it—divorce happens, for whatever reason. If you are finding it difficult to cope with the stigma of divorce, there is help available. From support groups to professional counseling, there are ways to get through it.
At Best Legal Choices, we have a team of professionals who can help you through this challenging time. Be sure to contact us today and discover how we can help you cope with the stigma of divorce.

Mary Ann Hess started her legal career at a well-established firm that focused on highly complex family law cases. That early experience gave Mary Ann litigation skills involving complex issues related to all issues involving families.