How to Handle Emotional Burnout During a Divorce
22nd May, 2025
Experiencing a divorce is one of the most heart-breaking and life-changing events anyone can go through. It is common to feel exhausted and stressed, or to experience insomnia and grief as you navigate your way through the breakdown of a marriage.
This article addresses the emotional toll of divorce and provides practical advice for coping, like seeking professional help, building support networks and managing stress effectively.
The divorce process can be daunting and difficult. Not only do you have to come to terms with the end of your marriage, but now you must deal with the stress of going through a divorce.
Emotional burnout is a common mental and physical aspect of going through a divorce. You may be experiencing a sense of loss and mourning at the end of your marriage, or feeling uncertain about the future because of a disruption of shared dreams and plans. The breakdown of your marriage may disrupt your sense of identity, self-esteem and security, which can leave you with enduring feelings of loneliness, rejection and isolation. You may also have to consider supporting children through a divorce and helping them understand that they were not responsible for the breakdown of their family and understanding their feelings whilst managing and navigating your own.
Signs of Emotional Burnout
Feelings of exhaustion or being emotionally drained are some of the first signs which suggest you are experiencing the physical and mental impacts of emotional burnout. There are several signs which could mean you are emotionally burnt out from dealing with the stress of a divorce.
Difficulty sleeping or sleeping excessively
Regardless of how much sleep you get, if you still feel tired or, on the other hand, if you struggle to sleep at all and feel exhausted during the day, you are likely dealing with exhaustion. This stems from the intense emotions faced during a divorce, which can lead to a lack of confidence and self-identity, as well as the constant paperwork accompanying divorce negotiation.
Decreased ability to cope
You may feel like the “easy” tasks are becoming harder, like managing your emotions, making decisions and completing basic daily activities, like housework and preparing meals. Partnered with the more difficult jobs like navigating co-parenting schedules and managing your finances, you may feel like you are struggling to balance all of the mundane tasks alongside the added pressures of divorce meetings and paperwork.
Appetite changes
Shifts in routine are highly likely during a divorce, so eating at “normal” times may be harder. If you are feeling stressed or anxious, the physical symptoms which coincide with those mental emotions may mean you struggle to eat anything at all. On the other hand, you might use food as a comfort at this difficult time and eat more than usual.
Feeling shameful or guilty
It is common to feel shame or guilt when going through a divorce. These feelings can arise during any stage of the divorce process. Grieving the loss and learning to not be as hard on yourself can help you release any remorse that you are experiencing, which can be an effective way for you to move on. Moving on takes time after a divorce, but finding a stable place to start will help.
Coping With Divorce
If you can reduce stress during a divorce, you may be able to make the process seem more manageable. You can seek professional help from a therapist, build a support network of friends and family and join support groups to meet others who are going through or have been through a divorce. Surrounding yourself with the right people can help you manage the stress effectively.
Seeking professional help
During your divorce, you will work closely with a divorce solicitor to help you throughout the process. Your divorce solicitor can advise on and support you through mediation, hidden assets and the overall process of working through divorce paperwork and financial settlements.
However, it is important to look after your mental health during your divorce. Working with a trained mental health professional, like a counsellor, therapist or psychologist can provide vital support and guidance before, during and after the divorce process. You can work on processing any memories or emotions with a therapist, which can help you become stronger and more resilient.
Building support networks
It is important to remember that you are not alone during your divorce, even though it may feel that way. You may feel like the weight of the world is bearing down on your shoulders and you need to manage divorce proceedings alongside other responsibilities, such as caring for your children and / or working.
There are plenty of people around you who will be there to support you through your divorce. Your family and friends, and even colleagues at work, will be there to listen to your thoughts and feelings. You may also decide to seek out support groups for people going through divorce, as sometimes, talking to strangers can be a little less daunting than talking to the people who are closest to you. If talking often gets too much for you, it may be a good idea to keep a journal where you can write down your thoughts and feelings.
Managing stress
Aside from the stress you may already feel because of the breakdown of your relationship and family life, added stresses and extra pressures can come from a variety of factors, like dealing with finances and property – including personal debts – and organising co-parenting schedules or other areas of family law.
The mortgage can be one of the biggest worries for those going through a divorce, with one of the most significant assets that couples have to deal with being their home. You may have a family business that needs dealing with, pensions that need to be shared or children who need supporting throughout the divorce.
Ultimately, looking after yourself and practising self-care is hugely beneficial for managing stress related to a divorce. If you can look after yourself and ensure that you are in the best possible headspace, you will find it easier to look after your children and process your divorce.
Ward Hadaway can support you through a divorce
At Ward Hadaway our family lawyers have extensive experience in divorce and family law. Our specialist divorce solicitors work closely with clients to ensure the best outcome is achieved as they navigate this difficult time. We offer support for all divorces and dissolutions of civil partnerships under English Law, including same sex marriages.
If you are looking for support and guidance through a divorce, our expert divorce solicitors are here to help. Whatever path you choose, Ward Hadaway will ensure you feel thoroughly supported during this difficult time.
Please note that this briefing is designed to be informative, not advisory and represents our understanding of English law and practice as at the date indicated. We would always recommend that you should seek specific guidance on any particular legal issue.
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