Losing a partner can be an overwhelming experience, even if it was your decision to break up. After a breakup or divorce, it’s normal to go through periods of depression, grief, anger, and relief. While you may still be mourning the loss of a relationship, the new year provides an opportunity to start rebuilding your life and moving forward. Below are a few tips for starting over in 2020.

How to Manage a Breakup in the New Year

1. Give Yourself Time

If the breakup was recent, you may still be going through a maelstrom of mixed emotions and that’s okay. It’s important not to rush the process. For help identifying your feelings, discuss the situation with a close friend or family member. Alternatively, you can write out your thoughts or channel your emotions into another creative pursuit, like painting.

2. Start Dreaming New Dreams

The end of a relationship also means losing all the dreams and hopes for the future that were tied up with the other person. This year, start thinking of experiences you’ve always wanted to have and start working toward them. Whether it’s a trip you’ve always wanted to take or a career you’ve put off pursuing, now is the time to start building your own dreams.

3. Watch Out for Signs of Depression

Grief is a slow, fitful process, but you should start to feel better day by day. If you still feel hopeless after several weeks, you may be suffering from depression, a condition that can make happiness seem impossible to achieve. An experienced therapist can help you find relief so you can start building momentum toward a new life.

Breakups and divorces are among life’s most stressful events, but you don’t have to go through this difficult experience alone. For over 25 years, Sondra Sexton-Jones has helped patients throughout Juneau, AK, deal with depression, anxiety, and a broad range of other emotional traumas. Visit her website to learn more about her counseling services, follow her Facebook for more tips and advice, or call (907) 586-3313 to make your first appointment.