You are going through a divorce and are probably having a difficult time reconciling your feelings of freedom and relief against those of fear and isolation. You may even be experiencing feelings of guilt and shame, and you need to know that each of these feelings is totally valid - it's okay to feel them. What is not okay is to try to deal with something that you are not doing so well with on your own, so opting to join one of the myriad of divorce support groups that are available may be a good solution for you. It could be a way to get you through a painful period of your life and help you to move on to more positive days.
Because you are reading this online, it means that you are comfortable in seeking help in this forum, and finding one of the literally thousands of divorce support groups on the Internet is just a mouse-click away. What you really need to do, however, is to find one that is going to be right for you. One that suits your personality, temperament, time constraints and comfort level. If the group itself makes you uncomfortable, it will be unlikely to provide the support and help you need during this time. You will first need to find your comfort zone by asking yourself a few questions.
Are you a socially active person who prefers face-to-face meetings, or even telephone calls over e-mails and other electronic correspondence? If so, you will likely fare better in a personal divorce support groups setting. If you crave hugs and physical pats on the arm or back, then attending personal meetings in your area will give you more of the type of support you may need. If this is the case, enter the words, "divorce support groups" into your web browser's search engine and add your Zip Code in order to find groups that meet near you. Consider the meeting locations, as well, as some people are more comfortable meeting in a church anteroom than in a hotel conferencing room or the back room of a local business or clinic more info. Consider the size and economic status of most of the group participants, too, if these are issues with which you identify. Sometimes it is important for people to feel like they belong to the group in general before they will open up enough for the group to be of benefit to them.
Are you a very private person who prefers to remain anonymous while getting answers to your questions and reassurance from others? If this describes you, then you may be more comfortable joining one of the divorce support groups that are offered on line. And, if this is the case, then it doesn't matter where the headquarters for such groups are physically located, you will have the option of joining and participating from almost anywhere. When considering this option, do a little research into who started the site - was it a credentialed divorce counselor or other counselor with experience in the feelings that come with a divorce? Making sure that you're dealing with one of the many divorce support groups that has direction provided by someone with proper credentials can make a big difference in the level of support you receive, and won't leave you in a group that seems to be floundering about for answers because there is no direction available from someone who is competent to provide it.
Whether you opt for brick-and-mortar meetings or on-line sharing, joining one of the divorce support groups that are there to help you makes good sense. There is no reason to suffer through this alone.
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