"I'm not like them" - how feeling different when going through divorce impacts your healing

“I’m not like them” 
 
That’s the thought that many people have when they are going through a divorce. It’s particularly true if no one among your family, close friends, or neighbors have been divorced.  You may know that 50% of marriages end in divorce but it still feels lonely if you don’t seem to know any of them. And it may be difficult to meet other divorced people if you feel ashamed that your marriage failed. You can become isolated and depressed which can make the transition from being married to being divorced much more difficult than it has to be. Remedies for shame and the resulting loneliness may be within reach.
 
First, recognize that just because your marriage failed, you aren’t a failure. And, conversely, just because someone is married doesn’t mean they are a success. In fact, I would argue that getting divorced takes a tremendous amount of strength. It is not an easy process. Many choose not to do it and remain in marriages that are basically not functioning. Does that make them successful? No, it’s a lot more complicated than that. But clearly being divorced does not equate to being a failure.  In many ways, it actually shows your strength.
 
Recognizing your strength is important to combat feelings of shame. You can then have the confidence to reach out to others to make the connections you need when you transition through your divorce. Two connections that can be helpful is a therapist or a divorce coach. It’s important to find a therapist who specializes in working with individuals going through divorce. You can ask the therapist what their specialties are to see if they are experienced with divorce. Divorce coaches work with clients on a more practical level to develop goals and help them prioritize what is needed for the next chapter of their life. In addition to therapists and divorce coaches, connecting with others who have been through the divorce process is especially important. Supportive friends who understand how you feel make you feel less different and can help you move on in your life. But many find it challenging to find others who are divorced.
 
So how do you find other divorced people? There are online support groups, meetups and in-person support groups through organizations that sponsor them. Although it’s scary to reach out, keep in mind that others are most likely feeling the same way. They may be very receptive to your friendship. It takes courage to reach out when you’re feeling vulnerable. Ask yourself, “What do I have to lose?”
 
I recently started a closed Facebook support group for individuals who are separated and divorced. It’s called “Separation and Divorce Support Community”. I encourage you to take a look at it and see if it could be helpful to you. Here are some other ways to make connections and not be lonely:

1. Meet with friends and family face to face: talking on the phone and texting are great but you don’t get the full benefit of connecting with people unless you meet face to face. Schedule face to face meetings into your day.
2. Get to know your neighbors: neighbors are a great resource for friendships and connections. Host a neighborhood gathering, attend one that is already planned or bring over a plant to a new neighbor. 
3. Take a class or join an organization: what have you always been interested but never had the time to do? There’s probably a class at your local school on it. You’ll be surprised how easy it will be to connect with someone who has a similar interest.
4. Reach out and touch someone: give someone a hug, pat someone on the back, or just high five someone. It’s amazing how much less lonely you can feel by physically reaching out.
5. Talk to strangers: small talk and chatting makes us happier and healthier. Talking to strangers is a great way to start a friendship.

 
Whatever you choose to do, remembering your strength will help you have the courage to make connections and combat loneliness. You will see that others are more like you than you thought. Give some of these ideas a try and let me know what works for you!!