Overcoming Loneliness in Divorce

Through the divorce process it seems every emotion is amplified. You're wound too tight and every nerve in your body is just waiting for the next big thing to occur. A minor hiccup in your day becomes a life-changing dramatic scene. You get angry about the smallest things and you cry at the drop of a hat. And that's normal.

Before the separation you were likely grateful for the kids to be out with dad and a little time alone in the house. But now, when the kids are gone for the weekend with dad, the silence becomes deafening. It's almost as if all of the energy has been drained from your home, and you can feel the loneliness seep into your bones.

Where "alone" is just the physical state of being by yourself, "loneliness" is the emotional state where you feel isolated and disconnected from others and yourself. Loneliness can lead to a freefall of negative habits along with mental and physical health issues. And it too is amplified during separation and divorce.

Often in the state of loneliness we tend to become withdrawn, pulling back from people and activities. We self-soothe with food or alcohol or shopping. We binge-watch shows and scroll for hours on social media, watching other peoples lives fill our screens. We sleep too much and move too little. It can lead to anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. It can lead to obesity, high blood pressure and heart disease. In the end, it's not healthy!

But there are ways to overcome loneliness, but it will take some effort on your part.

1) Utilize that alone time to do the inner work.