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.


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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.

Attitude is our perception and beliefs about ourselves, people and the world.  A healthy attitude can infuse us with strength, power, and optimism.  It brings joy and endurance.  On the contrary, a negative attitude can fill us with exhaustion, bitterness, and pessimism.  It brings sadness, anxiety and negativity.  

Attitude is……………….

Ø      Not what happens to you but what you do with it

Ø      Whether you see the glass as half empty or half full

Ø      The yardstick against which moment is measured

Ø      Contagious, inspirational, and empowering

Ø      What gets the job done

Ø      What makes us feel free or what makes us feel imprisoned

Ø      What makes us see the good in a bad day

Ø      That quality that makes us keep trying

Ø      What gets us through adversity

Ø      Capable of helping us to change our lives

Ø      What gives us hope

Ø      A state of mind

Ø      Valuing what you learned from a painful situation

Ø      Part of our character

Ø      What defines us

Ø      A self-fulfilling prophecy

Ø      Being able to value what we have rather than grieve what we don’t

Ø      Knowing that this too will pass

Ø      The belief that there will be better days

Ø      Creating your own joy

Ø      Re-inventing yourself

Ø      The glasses through which you see yourself and the world

How would you describe your attitude?  

Conquering Anxiety is counseling and therapy to help you regain peace in your life.  Licensed counselors Bernadine Merker and Allison Rimland offer 8-week Anxiety workshops in the Denver Tech Center. Don't let anxiety run your life! 

Do’s:

-Eat healthfully. Make sure you are getting enough lean protein, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.

-Drink plenty of water each day 

-Get at least 8 hours of sleep each night

-See your doctor if you cannot fall or stay asleep

-Take a multi vitamin each day, and consider adding B Complex vitamins, Folic Acid and Omega 3 Fish oil

-Exercise to get your endorphins going and help release tension

-Take time for yourself

-Plan things with family and friends to look forward to

-Get a massage to help you release tension from your body

-Get professional help.  If anxiety has persisted for more than a few weeks and is interrupting your work, life, school, or relationships; get the help you deserve now!

Don’ts:

-Make chocolate, sweets and refined carbohydrates a regular part of your diet

-Drink sweetened drinks or alcohol in excess

-Stay up all night doing things or using the computer

-Forget to eat well and watch your nutrition

-Be a couch potato

-Over-commit to doing things

-Isolate yourself

-Convince yourself that you can ignore persistent anxiety or “fix it” on your own

Conquering Anxiety:  counseling and group therapy to help you regain peace in your life.  Licensed therapists Bernadine Merker and Allison Rimland offer 8-week Anxiety workshops in the Denver Tech Center. Don't let anxiety run your life!