1. Going Private
Almost everyone going through a divorce should shore themselves up for a boatload of free advice from friends and family members who want to share their own experiences with the newly divorced. Some people may have gotten through the ordeal with help from a support group. Sometimes these groups are referred to as abandonment support groups, anger management or newly single groups. However, you should think twice about joining a group with a buddy. The main point of support groups is to be honest about your feelings and get the unconditional support. Being in a group with people who know you and your former spouse can get uncomfortable; it may cause you to hold back your feelings, negating the whole healing experience. Also, you must worry about whether the gossip will get back to your ex-spouse.
2. Ask a Shrink
One of the first places you can go to find help through the tough emotions you may be going through after a divorce is a psychologist or therapist. After working on the initial trauma, ask your therapist for a referral to a support group. Therapists keep lists of local groups and often run groups for patients themselves. After spending a little time with you, your counselor can determine what kind of group may be most therapeutic for you in your circumstances. You may need to find a same-sex group or you may need one for single parents. Ask for some guidance before going it alone.
3. Just Visiting
Check online or in the community activities section of your local newspaper to find a support group that you might try. Remember that you don't have to commit to the first group you try. Many organizations offer various times and places where they hold meetings. Each group may have a different group in attendance. While you may not feel comfortable at one group, try another. You may find some chemistry involved that turns you off of one group, while another group may have people who you can relate to.
4. Blog Your way to Health
When all else fails, or if you are just too distraught to bring your tender emotions out in public, you can always find an online community to join. Groups such as DivorceSupport.com, CafeMom.com or DailyStrength.org offer online chats for divorced folks. You may not know if the chat you take part in is real or not, but if it helps you get out of a funk, then it probably doesn't matter. At least you can remain anonymous and take advantage of the outlet to get your own feelings out. You can ask questions and maybe find some answers that will help you deal with your emotions.
