Finding the Strength to Keep Going During Your High Conflict Custody Battle
Are you fatigued beyond anything you can describe? You’re not alone.
When you’ve survived narcissistic abuse in a relationship and then have to enter the battlefield of a high conflict divorce or child custody battle, you certainly know the meaning of the word “fatigue”.
Emotional, physical, mental, and even spiritual exhaustion can pervade every facet of your life.
Your relationships may suffer. Your physical and mental health may be on a steady decline.
I Want to Just Give Up - But I Can’t. I Have to Keep Fighting For My Kids
Many protective parents over the years have shared some variant of the sentiment, “If it weren’t for my kids, I would have given up a long time ago. This is just too hard. I’m too tired. I want to be done.”
If you’re in this space, please know that you’re not alone. There is nothing easy about narcissistic abuse, in or after a relationship.
I’m On The Battlefield - How Do I Find the Strength To Keep Going?
If your tank is empty but you have no end in sight, please know that you’re not alone. Many, many victim-survivors are in the same boat and feel like they’re barely hanging on.
Here is some of the best advice for folks on the battlefield, trying with all their might to just make it one more day.
Prioritize hydration, nutrition, and rest. Sleep may be scarce - and that’s okay. Often, trauma can make sleep a total nightmare. Falling asleep, staying asleep, nightmares, or light sleep can make the fatigue so much worse. Digestive issues and loss of appetite can deplete energy. Setting alarms to remind yourself to drink water, eat something small, and lie down for even ten minutes a day can be a massive step in regaining some level of physical strength.
Seek support. The necessity of mental and emotional support for protective parents can’t be overstated. A well-trained therapist can make a huge difference - and we see time and time again that victim-survivors who can process their trauma in real time are better able to show up from a place of strategy rather than emotion.
Take breaks. It can feel like your entire life is based around the battlefield. From court dates to documentation to visitations to books and podcasts about custody and abuse… it’s important to take mental and physical breaks from this very heavy subject matter and allow your mind and body to be distracted.
You’re a Warrior - And You’re NOT Alone
The battlefield can be a lonely, overwhelming place. Please remember that you’re not alone.
A powerful step in strengthening yourself and your community, can be enlisting the support of a Certified High Conflict Divorce Coach.
Find yours here.
