Divorce rates have been steadily trending downward in the United States, according to recent data, but marriages ending are still a common, disruptive experience. Most people probably don’t head into marriage anticipating divorce — but for those who find themselves in one, there are ways to encourage compassion for one another and ultimately build something stronger, experts said. Grieving the lossA divorce can be amicable yet still marked by loss and grief, said Rebecca Hendrix, a marriage and family therapist in New York. Support can come from a therapist, a religious leader, friends, a divorce support group, or even books and media that make you feel less alone, she added. Divorce may motivate some reflection on ways you want to make changes or even launch the first call you ever make to a therapist, Hendrix said.

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Persons: Amy Mazur, ”, Mazur, Rebecca Hendrix, ” Hendrix, Marissa Nelson, Hendrix, “, ‘, ” Mazur, Nelson Organizations: CNN, Washington Locations: Brooklyn , New York, United States, New York, DC