Many couples take the end of one year and the beginning of another as an opportunity to end their problems and start over, with new hopes and a different future. On this occasion, psychologist Carmen Bravo De Rueda, from Clinica Ricardo Palma, will give us more information on the subject.

What consequences can end-of-year stress bring?

Sometimes, a stressful environment can cause problems between couples and even more so when they have already been showing difficulties in their relationship, as their conflicts grow, their frustrations explode and, finally, they end their relationship. Many couples take the end of the year as an opportunity to end their problems and give themselves a chance to start the year with new hopes and a different future.

How to announce the separation to families?

Given these circumstances, it is important that families know what is happening; therefore, it is advisable to communicate them in the appropriate way so as not to ruin the holidays.

• If they are adult couples, without children and who maintain a firm decision, it is recommended to gather the closest relatives to explain their determination as adults, directly and without drama. They can even explain that they hope that the coming year will bring tranquility and well-being to each of them in their new life.
• On the other hand, if it is a separation where one does not agree, but feels obliged to accept it because the other person no longer wants to continue in the relationship, it can be more complicated. In this case, it will be necessary to take into account the stages of mourning through which they will have to go through and overcome; In the beginning, you can go through a period of anger, then sadness, to later reach negotiation and finally acceptance, where the situation will be faced and an attempt will be made to reach beneficial agreements for both parties.

 How to avoid depression in the mourning stage?

It is important to be clear that the stage of mourning is normal, but depression is not. Therefore, it is recommended to follow the following steps to avoid it:

• Do not overestimate, or think that the other person was “unique”. Everyone has qualities and defects.
• Do not neglect self-care, or work.
• Do not avoid family or friends. It is necessary to rely emotionally on close people
• Find new interests, classes, sports, groups, etc. Remember that life goes on.
• Strengthen self-esteem and emotional independence.
• If the loss cannot be overcome, it is recommended to seek psychotherapeutic support.

Carmen Bravo De Rueda
Psychologist at Clinica Ricardo Palma