In movies and TV shows, depictions of divorce are almost always angry or sad affairs. But what about true grief? Grieving a marriage may sound bizarre, but it’s an important part of acknowledging the loss of a huge part of your life and preparing yourself to pick up the pieces and move forward. In this article, we’ll explain what to expect during the post-divorce grieving process and how long it’ll last, plus offer expert ways to cope and take care of yourself during this difficult time. Above all, remember that grief doesn’t have to be a solitary activity and that these low feelings are only temporary—brighter days are coming.
Things You Should Know
- The 5 stages of divorce grief include denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. There’s no particular order in which you might experience these stages.
- It may take 1-2 years to feel like you’re ready to move on after a divorce. Remember that everyone processes their grief differently and at their own pace.
- Cut yourself slack and let yourself feel your feelings while you cope. Acknowledging your emotions helps you reach acceptance faster and more healthily.
Steps
Expert Q&A
Tips
- Many experts consider the 5 stages of grief to be outdated, but many people do experience some or all of these stages (in no particular or linear order). [18] X Research sourceThanks
Expert Interview
![](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/a/a0/WikiHow-Expert-Interview-Transcript-Expert-Moshe-Ratson-part-2_sample.png/340px-WikiHow-Expert-Interview-Transcript-Expert-Moshe-Ratson-part-2_sample.png)
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about divorce, check out our in-depth interview with Moshe Ratson, MFT, PCC .
References
- ↑ https://www.csn.edu/_csnmedia/documents/caps-counseling-and-psychological-services/stages_of_grief_after_a_breakup_0.pdf
- ↑ https://www.marriage.com/advice/mental-health/stages-of-grief/
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/how-to-grieve-after-divorce
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/how-to-grieve-after-divorce
- ↑ https://www.marriage.com/advice/mental-health/stages-of-grief/
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/how-to-grieve-after-divorce
- ↑ https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/transitioning-through-divorce-grieving-the-lost-marriage.html
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/fixing-families/202303/6-stages-of-separation-or-divorce
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/how-to-grieve-after-divorce
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/between-cultures/201802/be-kind-yourself
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/grief/dealing-with-a-breakup-or-divorce.htm
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/insight-therapy/201009/emotional-acceptance-why-feeling-bad-is-good
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/how-to-grieve-after-divorce
- ↑ https://www.marriage.com/advice/divorce/ways-to-handle-and-cope-with-divorce/
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/how-to-grieve-after-divorce
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/grief/dealing-with-a-breakup-or-divorce.htm
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20356007
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/how-to-grieve-after-divorce