How am I feeling?

Parental divorce can bring about different emotions in you.

Uncomfortable emotions may arise when thinking about your parents or the situation at home. You may experience strong emotions or find it difficult to describe exactly what or how you feel. While these emotions may be confusing and hard to explain, they’re still valid.

It’s not about “fixing” your emotions but learning how to understand and navigate them.

The more you allow yourself to feel and process these emotions, the better equipped you’ll be to manage whatever comes next. Though it may take time and support along the way, you'll get there.

The Messiness of Emotions

It’s common if your emotions feel all over the place – angry one moment, confused the next, or even numb. It is natural for emotions to shift and change with time. Some days, you might feel fine, and other days, everything might hit you all at once.

What you’re feeling is valid, no matter what it looks like. Remember, things will get better.

Felt this way?

Anger

Usually caused by feeling a lack of control, perceived unfairness or injustice in how the dirvorce is affecting you.

Sadness

Could arise from feelings of abandonment from parent(s) or grieving of family relationship and/or traditions that were once a part of your life.

Anxiety

Possible reasons include feeling overwhelmed by new expectations placed on you or feeling uncertain over upcoming changes.

Guilt

Guilt is common if you feel responsible for your parent's situation. Feeling torn and choosing one parent over the other can make one feel guilty too

Relief

Positive changes in your parents' situation or mood, or experiencing a sense of autonomy in managing your decisions can bring a sense of relief.

Confusion

May arise if you feel pulled in different direction by each parent's perspectives or are struglling to understand your parents' situation.