Divorce is a process that resembles dealing with a loved one’s death or other losses in life. While every divorce in Florida is unique, there are six common stages that most people experience when going through a separation.
Denial
The first stage of divorce is denial that accompanies the initial shock. This is where you may try to convince yourself that things aren’t really that bad or that your relationship can still be salvaged. You may cling to the hope that your partner will change or that you’ll be able to work things out.
Anger
As you allow reality to set in, the next stage is often anger. You may feel frustrated, betrayed or resentful towards your partner for how they’ve contributed to the end of the marriage. You may also feel angry at yourself for not seeing the obvious signs or for not being able to fix things.
Bargaining
In an effort to avoid the pain of divorce, some people enter into the bargaining stage. This is where you may try to make deals with your partner, promising to change or compromise to save the relationship. You may also bargain with a higher power, hoping that if you pray hard enough things will turn around.
Depression
The depression stage is where you may feel overwhelmed by the emotions you’re experiencing and struggle to find joy in anything. You may feel like you’ve lost a part of yourself, and you may struggle to imagine a future without your partner.
Acceptance
Eventually, you’ll come to the acceptance stage of divorce. This is where you begin to accept that your relationship is over and start to focus on the practical aspects of divorce, like dividing assets or figuring out custody arrangements. While you may still feel sad or angry, you’ll also start to feel more empowered as you take control of the situation.
Moving on
You will eventually start to rebuild your life and focus on the future. You may start dating again, pursue new hobbies or interests or focus on your career. While you may still have moments of sadness or anger, you’ll also start to feel hopeful and excited about the possibilities that the future holds.
Coping with divorce
Some experts discuss the stages of divorce in terms of what happens in the weeks and months following the decision to separate. In any case, the process remains the same, and the toll divorce takes on people’s lives requires the same effort to bounce back from.
It’s important to remember that not everyone will experience these stages in the same order, or at all. Some people may skip certain stages altogether while others may cycle through them multiple times. However, understanding these stages can help you navigate the emotions of divorce and move forward with your life.