Getting A Fort Lauderdale Divorce? The Five Stages Of Grief In Dealing With Loss
Going through a divorce in Fort Lauderdale represents a significant loss. In addition to the end of your marriage, you may be grieving the dreams you had on your wedding day and the years you invested into the relationship.
Divorce-related grief is common, and as an experienced Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer, it is something we routinely help clients work through. The following outlines the five stages and what to expect throughout the process.
Grieving The Loss Of Your Marriage
Getting married is one of the most life-changing decisions you will ever make in your life. Unfortunately, picking the right partner is never easy, and the divorce rate in Fort Lauderdale is high. Your marriage may fall apart due to infidelity, addictions, or other types of marital misconduct, or simply from growing apart from your spouse over the years.
Regardless of the reason and any animosity between you and your former partner, you may find yourself grieving the loss of the relationship. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), divorce-related grief is common and can have serious impacts on your physical and mental health. Common symptoms include:
- Depression and increased isolation;
- Increased anxiety and panic disorders;
- Insomnia and other sleep disturbances;
- Disordered eating and losing or gaining significant weight.
The NIH warns that divorce-related grief can also take a heavy toll on your heart and your immune system, making you more susceptible to inflammation, illnesses, and infections.
The Five Stages Of Grief In A Fort Lauderdale Divorce
Elizabeth Kübler Ross wrote the groundbreaking book ‘On Death and Dying’ in 1969, identifying five stages of grief people generally pass through in dealing with a loss. It continues to remain relevant today. The following outlines the five stages and what to expect if you are getting a divorce in Fort Lauderdale:
- Denial: It can take a long time to accept and acknowledge to both yourself and others that your marriage is truly over. At this point, you or your spouse may still be insistent on working things out and refuse to cooperate with divorce proceedings.
- Anger: Once you leave the denial phase and acknowledge your breakup, you may find your blood boiling at the mere thought of your spouse and others involved. This is when conflicts over money, marital property, and children often arise.
- Bargaining: The bargaining phase in a divorce may include excusing or justifying bad behavior and eliciting promises to change. If you do decide to reconcile, a postnuptial agreement is a good idea.
- Acceptance: Once you acknowledge and accept that your marriage is over, you can begin the process of rebuilding your life.
Contact Our Fort Lauderdale Divorce Lawyer Today
When going through a breakup, it is natural to grieve your losses. Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer Vanessa L. Prieto provides the caring, comprehensive legal services you need during this difficult time. We protect your rights and help you make a fresh start. To request a consultation, call or contact us online today.
Sources:
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6293993/
cfmedicine.nlm.nih.gov/physicians/biography_189.html
