Here to Help

To conserve your emotional energy and to support yourself in hard emotional times, there are a number of things you can do:

• Attend as many counselling sessions as you can
• Join support groups of other women to gain support and strengthen your relationships with other people
• Take time for yourself to read, meditate, play music, etc.
• Spend time with people who make you feel good and provide support
• Take care of your sleep and nutrition needs
• Keep a personal journal to write about your feelings, especially when you are feeling low and vulnerable. Keep it in a safe place or burn it after you are done
• Take time to prepare yourself emotionally before stressful situations, like talking to your ex-partner, meeting with lawyers or attending court
• Be creative and do whatever makes you feel good
• Write something positive about yourself every day
• Its OK to feel angry but find positive and constructive ways to express this feeling
• Try not to overbook yourself. Limit yourself to one appointment per day to reduce stress
• Become involved in community activities to reduce feeling isolated
• Take part in social activities, e.g. movie, dinner, exercise
• Do not find your comfort in excessive use of alcohol or food. It only serves to increase your depression
• Avoid excessive shopping and impulsive buying
• Join a health club or start an exercise program, it will increase your energy level and increase your sense of well being
• Keep your resume up to date for possible upcoming job openings
• Enroll in school to increase your skills
• Take a part-time job to reduce isolation and improve your finances

Remember that you are the most important person to take care of right now.