by M.A. Dal Cero

Created on: June 02, 2009   Last Updated: June 03, 2009

Loneliness is one of the many unfortunate by-products of a failed marriage. Of course, loneliness may have crept into your life long before your marriage ended, and it if often difficult to determine whether this feeling is stronger before or after the divorce. Nevertheless, it is highly likely that, at one time or another, and in varying degrees, you will feel lonely. After all, divorce is a life-altering experience that is accompanied by a high number of negative and powerful emotions, and if you are not careful, these emotions can overwhelm and overtake you, and result in depression. Therefore, it is essential that you take the necessary actions required to overcome loneliness before it takes control of you, and you unhappily join the ranks of those who have succumbed to its power.

The following are a few tips on how to overcome loneliness after a failed marriage:

- Do not isolate.

It can be extremely tempting to isolate yourself after a divorce. You may feel embarrassed, extremely sad, and very lonely. However, while it is healthy and necessary to occasionally take time alone in order to grieve and heal, you cannot overcome loneliness by doing so too often. It is far more beneficial to surround yourself with loved ones who can offer you support, and uplift you when you are feeling down. Understandably, many divorced individuals do not want to be a burden to their family or friends, or to appear to be too needy. Divorce support groups can be a wonderful alternative to relying solely on those closest to you. These groups offer support, encouragement, a place to share with others who are in the same situation, and a way in which to meet new friends. Often, support groups organize social activities, outings, and trips that serve to help divorced and separated individuals avoid loneliness, and to begin to enjoy their lives again.

- Rediscover your hobbies and interests.

Involving yourself with groups that bring together people who are interested in a particular hobby or activity is not only a way in which you can avoid loneliness, but it is also the perfect opportunity to rediscover who you are and what you enjoy in life. It is difficult to succumb to feelings of loneliness when you are fully engaged in an activity that you enjoy; even if it is one that you do on your own. One of the positive aspects of divorce is that you are given the chance to concentrate on you again, and many divorced individuals find the freedom to follow their dreams,

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