Hello and welcome back. We’ve been talking about people who’ve suffered trauma in the wake of an abusive marriage, but because of the trauma, they aren’t able to move on after the divorce. In these cases it’s very important to seek out professional help. In our previous article we talked about what Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is and what the symptoms are. Moving forward we’re going to be looking at coping skills to avoid, and how therapy can help. 

Avoid self medicating

Mental health experts all agree that if you’re struggling in the wake of an abusive marriage and a painful divorce, avoid drugs and alcohol. Many people, in an effort to mask (or at least manage) their pain, turn to chemical assistance. And the results can be devastating. Remember – addiction tends to creep up on you. No one plans to become an addict, it just happens. And some people are more easily sucked in than others.

At first it’s just a glass of wine or two in the evenings to wind down at the end of a rough day, and before you know it you’re drinking three times that much and can’t go a day without alcohol. If you’re struggling to relax and wind down in the wake of your divorce, please be careful with the methods you choose to achieve that. Alcohol and drugs may seem like quick and easy solutions, but the long term results can be deadly.

Talk to a therapist or counselor

The recovery process for people with PTSD takes time. Healing doesn’t happen overnight, and nothing will ever make the trauma “unhappen”. Unfortunately, you will always have those memories. Nothing can change that. But you do have the power to change how much power they have over you, and how you respond to them by working with a therapist. There are many types of therapy, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy which has proven to be immensely helpful for people with PTSD.

EMDR therapy has been so successful in treating people with PTSD, and there are over 30 successful studies completed where the positive outcomes were unmatched by other forms of therapy. EMDR is now recognized as an effective form of treatment for trauma by organizations like the American Psychiatric Association, the World Health Organization, and the U.S. Department of Defense. If you are struggling with PTSD from an abusive marriage, a therapist can help you work through the trauma and get back on your feet.

We can’t fix the damage, but we can help you get free.

As compassionate family law attorneys, we’ve helped countless Michiganians to get out of psychologically and physically abusive marriages. We understand that you have a long road to healing ahead, and we’d like to help. While we aren’t therapist, and we can’t help with your emotional journey, we can help you prepare for your future by helping you through the divorce process. Whether it’s child support or custody, or alimony and how to divide your assets and debts, call The Kronzek Firm at 866 766 5245. We’re here to help.