Even if you and your soon-to-be ex-wife are ready to end your marriage, divorce is likely to take a bigger toll on your mental health than hers. In fact, according to a recent study, newly divorced men often have more anxiety and deeper depression than recently divorced women.
To help you manage the psychological fallout of your divorce, it may be tempting to reach for alcohol or drugs. This may be true even if you generally avoided these substances during your marriage. Still, if you worry about addiction, employing some strategies may help you stay sober.
Maintain a broad social network
Having a broad support network is one of the reasons women often have an easier time with divorce. If you have friends, maintaining your close relationships may help you combat isolation, loneliness, sadness and depression. If not, meeting new acquaintances and forming interpersonal bonds may give you enough social support to keep you away from alcohol and drugs.
Focus on what you enjoy
If your marriage was acrimonious, you may have set aside many of your hobbies. Rather than looking at your divorce in a negative light, you may want to use it to reengage with what you enjoy. If nothing seems to bring you joy, it may be time to try something new. Remember, getting some physical exercise during your divorce may also give you added confidence when you are ready to jump back into the dating pool.
Get some professional help
There is absolutely no shame in asking for professional help. If you have anxiety or depression, talking to a counselor or another mental health professional may be beneficial. Of course, if alcohol or drugs are calling your name, you may also need the services of an addiction specialist.
Even though it may consume virtually all your mental energy now, your divorce will not last forever. Ultimately, prioritizing your mental and emotional health ensures you emerge in a good position to start the next chapter of your life.