On the outside, Khloe Kardashian has smiled for cameras and seemingly tried to keep it “business as usual” since she decided to file for divorce from husband Lamar Odom in late December. However, on last night’s season opener of Keeping Up With the Kardashians, the reality star gave audiences a more candid look at what she’s going through, and it’s clear she’s under a lot of stress.
In the episode, which centered around Khloe’s martial woes, as well as Kris Kardashian’s separation from Bruce Jenner, Khloe breaks down and cries on multiple occasions when talking about estranged husband Odom and how the marital split is affecting her emotions.
“The whole thing is very uncomfortable,” she said. ”I don’t like being around people because I know what they’re thinking. … I’ve been in hiding because I’m afraid of people. I can’t look at people in the eyes. And I’m not even the one who did anything.”
Later on, she talked about moving on and attempting to “come to terms” with the divorce.
“I need to get my life in order, but I love to work, as it distracts me, but I go home and I’m a shattered person,” she said.
Has your separation and/or divorce felt traumatic? Experiencing stress and negative emotions can be a common response to divorce, but it’s also true that many things can help to reduce divorce stress and get emotions back on the right track. Some of these strategies include:
Let your attorney know how you’re feeling. No, your divorce attorney is not a psychiatrist, but it’s important for this person to understand how you feel about your divorce. If part of your stress relates to matters of support or child custody, for example, letting your attorney know this may help him or her come up with the best strategy possible for making sure these issues become a priority.
Practice self-care. When it comes to reducing stress, sometimes it’s the little things that help the most. Studies show that going for a walk in nature, even if just for 20 minutes, can help to boost mood and reduce stress. Likewise, meditation, yoga, prayer, laughing with a friend (or watching a funny movie), or going for a massage, can all help. You may need to try a few to find out what works best to lift your mood, but chances are there’s something out there that will help.
Recognize the signs of depression. Another celebrity who’s spoken openly about the pain of divorce is Eva Longoria, who admits to becoming depressed during her 2011 split from husband Tony Parker. If your down mood has lasted for longer than two weeks, it may be time to check in with a mental health counselor for help. Who should you make an appointment with? See our blog post, “How Do You Find A Divorce Therapist?” for more.