When you’re going through a divorce, it is difficult to say the least. Whether you are at the very beginning of the process or if you are figuring out how to navigate your new life going forward, establishing a divorce community can make a huge difference in your life. Having a support system in your life is important no matter what’s going on. However, it’s even more important when you’re going through a life change such as a divorce. I know that when I work with clients I find that in general women are more likely to have a strong support system than men are and this can help them through the divorce process. If you are going through a divorce and have not established a support system, there are a few things you can do to establish a divorce community that will help you through the process.
Surround Yourself With Family and Friends
When you’re going through a divorce, it’s important to surround yourself with supportive family and friends that can help you and your family through this transition. It can be painful to discuss what occurred in your marriage and you may not want to talk about it with everyone. That’s ok. When you’re ready to talk about what has happened, let those closest to you know what you need and what you don’t need. Be honest with your family and friends. Understand that not everyone will know how to react or what you need and it’s alright to share some things with some people and not with everyone.
Use Your Social Communities
In addition to surrounding yourself with family and friends, remember your social communities and how they can be a divorce community for you as well. It can be helpful to surround yourself with other people who are going through the same experience you are and may be able even better to understand who what you’re going through than family and friends. You can find support groups through your religious institution, therapists, meetup.com or even Facebook. While sometimes online social communities can be detrimental when you’re going through a difficult time, if you’re someone who finds online to be easier then use that to your benefit.
Interview and Find the Right Professionals to Assist You
In addition to your friends, family and social communities when establishing a divorce community don’t forget that you’ll want to find the right professionals to assist you. Making sure that you find a mediator and/or an attorney that will support you through the process and you feel comfortable with can help you as well as other professionals like a financial professional and therapist can make the process much more manageable. At West Coast Family Mediation we have an active community or professionals that we can refer you to help you through this time and make sure that everyone has the divorce community and support that they need.
Divorce Community
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by: Amanda Singer
