At this point in your journey, you may agree that divorce is one of the most stressful and life-changing events a person can experience. It can bring up many confusing emotions, such as relief, anger, guilt and more fears than you may have anticipated.
Unfortunately, fear can make moving on emotionally challenging, but it may also impact the outcome of divorce. Knowing what to expect can prepare you and help you cope.
Below are two fears that can plague you, even in a much-desired divorce.
Fear of being alone
You may be looking forward to living alone on your terms, but try not to be too surprised if you start feeling lonely. Divorce means losing a partner who was a source of companionship, intimacy, and support. Once that connection is threatened permanently, it may spark fear or doubt.
Fear of the unknown
Are you ready for a new, potentially uncertain future? Even if so, you may have moments when fear cripples you. For many, the full realization of what may be at stake (marital property, child access, etc.) in the divorce can trigger chronic fear that can be hard to shake off.
Why is fear a problem?
Fear and adrenaline can save lives by triggering a flight or fight response in threatening situations. Unfortunately, they can also cloud your mind and introduce cognitive biases that can color your decisions.
During fear, the hub of reason and judgment otherwise called the cerebral cortex switches off to allow for the appropriate response (flight or fight). When the cerebral cortex is impaired, it disrupts the ability to think clearly and make wise decisions.
The right legal representative can keep you on track when fear obscures your reason. If necessary, they can go over your options and decisions with you to ensure you understand how they may impact your divorce.
