Coping With Grief After Losing a Marriage, Engagement, or Dating Relationship
Have you recently gone through a divorce, a broken engagement, or a breakup? The loss of a romantic relationship is especially difficult. We spend so much time with our significant other, so a separation can impact many aspects of our lives and leave us feeling like our world has been turned upside down. Not only do we have to cope with difficult feelings such as missing them, feeling betrayed, wrestling with guilt, and loneliness, but we also have to deal with the hassles of splitting up any shared property and possibly finding a new home. In addition, we must accept that the dreams we had of a future with that person are no longer a possibility.
In addition, because there are varying views of the acceptability of divorce among Christians, we may face judgmental comments from well-intended church friends or fear we have failed God.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to process your grief and move on from your relationship. For instance, you may want to try:
- Reading an encouraging Christian book on recovering from divorce/breakup
- Spending time with family and friends who are supportive
- Talking to a therapist or joining a support group at your church
- Making time for self-care each day
- Incorporating exercise into your daily routine
- Starting a new hobby
At a time when so much may feel out of your control, try to focus on things that you can control, such as using this time as an opportunity to rediscover yourself and the things that make you who you are. For example, if you’ve always loved baking but you didn’t get to bake as often as you wanted during your relationship, try purchasing a new cookbook or signing up for a local cake decorating class.
Do You Need Help Healing From Loss?
If you’re having a hard time coping with the loss of a marriage, engagement, or dating relationship, one of the best ways to process your grief is to speak to a therapist. Contact us today and we can tell you more about our practice, answer any questions you might have, and schedule a therapy session.