Starting over after going through a traumatic situation can be difficult, especially if you are still emotionally damaged. For instance, if you went through an abusive marriage and finally found the strength to get out of it, it can still affect your life. If you have found that it is hard to emotionally move on after being divorced for a while, making changes in your life might push things on the right track. It is important to get rid of everything in your life that reminds you of the abusive situation. Consider the tips that are in this article to finally do what is necessary to set yourself free from the emotional distress that your abusive marriage has caused in your life.

1. Get Legal Help to Change Your Name

If you still have the last name of your ex-spouse, considering getting rid of it. You will have to pay to change the last name if it wasn't requested during the divorce process, but it is usually an affordable thing to do. All you need to do is contact a legal services to assist with the paperwork that is needed to legally change your last name. The documents will be drafted up by a legal professional, and they can possibly be taken to the courthouse on your behalf as well. The extent of time that it takes for your new last name to become legal depends on laws in your state and the court that the documents are processed in.

2. Speak to a Counselor About Your Problems

Emotional distress is one of the most difficult things to get through without help from someone. If you have no one to talk to about your problems, it is a good idea to get help from a counselor. The perk of talking to a professional is that he or she will not be judgemental and will do everything to resolve the situation. After a few sessions, you will begin to develop a trusting relationship with the counselor that will make you feel more open and relaxed. Continue getting help from a counselor until you feel as though you are no longer an emotional prisoner of your past marriage.

3. Avoid Anything that is Negative in Your Life

In order to successfully get through emotional distress from a bad marriage, you must surround yourself with positive things. Avoid anything that has a negative influence and can cause you to experience depressive thoughts. For instance, if there are loved ones in your life bringing up your past in a negative way, ask them to stop. If they continue causing the problem, spend some time away from them until you are emotionally strong enough to do so. You should also try to stop any addictions that the situation has caused, such as consuming too much alcohol, taking drugs, or even eating abnormal amounts of food.

To learn more, contact a law firm like McFarland & Masters LLC.