Going through a divorce can bring a lot of emotions that you would probably rather not feel. You may feel angry, frustrated, regretful, worried, embarrassed, guilty and simply sad. When you are going through so many difficult emotions, you may start to subconsciously or consciously avoid these emotions.

A common way for people to avoid their emotions is to do something that distracts them. Many things can distract us from our emotions. Some of these things have positive side effects, and others have negative side effects. For example, one person might decide to drink heavily in order to avoid their emotions. Another person may decide to go to the gym.

Is there anything wrong with distracting ourselves from our emotions?

Everyone distracts themselves from their emotions to some extent. While there's nothing wrong with going for a run to clear your head after a stressful day, there are two things to be aware of in regard to distraction methods. The first is to make sure that you're not distracting yourself with unhealthy coping mechanisms. For example, drinking is only going to come with negative side effects. The second is to make sure that you are addressing your emotions. Ignoring your mental state completely and going to the gym instead is only going to lead to problems in the future.

What does distraction have to do with anxiety?

When we distract ourselves, our emotions are still inside of us, not being dealt with. When our emotions are unresolved for too long, they get bottled up and finally burst, sometimes in the form of anxiety attacks.

What can I do about my anxiety?

Anxiety is not easy to deal with or to solve. However, by going to therapy, you will be able to finally address the things that led to your anxiety.

Anxiety is often experienced during divorce. If you are dealing with anxiety and you're considering divorce, make sure that you get control of your situation by putting in place a divorce strategy.