Even the most “ready” person needs support during a divorce. A divorce can leave you feeling isolated, lonely, and uncertain about the future. Talking with others who have been through a divorce, or who are currently going through one, helps with some of these feelings. Doing it alone can make the healing process feel much heavier and make it last a lot longer.
The Different Types of Support Groups
Support groups come in two main forms- online and in-person. Online support groups have become increasingly popular during the pandemic, with both open forums and moderator-led forums widely available. Our very own Split.fyi is one of the online divorce support groups available, although our portal is a private, secure place where you can go to not only discuss what you are going through, but also connect with experienced divorce professionals who can help you through the process.
You can also find online support groups on social media, although proceed with caution when it comes to public groups- especially if your ex or their family members and friends are able to see what you are posting. Private groups on social media are a good alternative.
In-person groups are still very popular with divorcees. Some are organized by licensed therapists and grief counselors, while others might be held at a local church or community center. Whether you choose to join an online or in-person support group, one thing remains the same- sharing stories matters, and a support group gives you the opportunity to share your story and connect with others who understand what you’re going through.
What Support Groups Help With
The benefits of joining a support group are vast. They can help you:
- Navigate the divorce process
- Work through your feelings
- Introduce you to new friends (especially important if you’ve lost some due to the divorce)
- Help you cope with co-parenting
- Encourage you to get involved with new hobbies and activities (this is a great use for those kid-free weekends!)
- Show you that there is life after divorce, as evidenced by other support group members and their stories
While individual counseling is great on its own, when used in conjunction with support groups, the benefits are magnified. Discussing how you’re feeling in therapy and coming up with strategies going forward only works if you apply those strategies. Support groups help hold you accountable, while also encouraging you to keep moving forward. They essentially help keep you from getting stuck in a post-divorce rut.
Who Are Support Groups For
Divorce support groups are for anyone who needs a little extra push to move through their healing process (which, let’s face it- many divorcees do!). Divorce can leave you feeling incredibly uncertain about the future, and surrounding yourself with others who have gone through the process shows you that there is life on the other side of those signed divorce papers. Any divorcee can benefit from a support group, but those who really invest in the process will see the most benefit from it.
