Divorce is a major life event that affects everybody in the family. It is an unexpected and disappointing ending that uproots spouses and children’s plans with an intensity that often takes years to resolve.

As this process begins, many of the symptoms below develop as people try to cope with the major changes that they are undergoing:
 
Physical: Headaches, Muscle tension, Nausea, Intestinal problems, Impaired sleep, Lack of appetite, Lack of energy,
Restlessness, Shakiness, Tearfulness

Emotional: Sadness, Betrayal, Embarrassment, Numbness,
Anxiety, Irritability, Disappointment, Hopelessness, Betrayal,
Sadness, Fear/panic, Abandonment, Irritability, Anger

Concentration: Memory loss, Indecisiveness, Confusion, Difficulty learning, Slowed responses, Increased mistakes,
Disorientation, Poor concentration, Longer to do tasks


Although time often heals, it is important to make sure that these symptoms don’t continue to affect moods, health, and relationships, school and work performance. If they do, it is time to seek professional help for both you and your children.

A visit to your family doctor and an evaluation with a mental health professional are a good place to start!  As with any other thing in life, the sooner you take steps to deal with it, the faster it is resolved. 

Counseling can help everyone work through those feelings that arose from the strain of the relationship, and the divorce. It can provide a safe place to move past these feelings and re-claim your life. It can also be a place to learn techniques to cope, calm anxiety, and feelings of loss and anger and restore stability.

Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness! Getting support at a time in your life when your world feels upside down can only help restore balance and help you get on with your life.


**************************************************************
Bernadine Merker LCSW is a licensed professional counselor with over twenty years of experience. She has counseled children, adolescents and adults who are undergoing major life changes, anxiety, depression, bi-polar disorder and PTSD. 
She co-facilitates CONQUERING ANXIETY, an 8-week workshop designed to provide the tools to manage anxiety/ panic disorders. Her office is located near I-25 in the Denver Tech center. She can be reached at (303) 770-0940.