Managing Stress and Protecting Your Mental Health Through Separation
Category: Mental Health & Wellbeing
Separation and divorce are among the most emotionally challenging experiences anyone can face. Whether the decision was mutual or unexpected, it often brings a whirlwind of emotions — grief, anger, fear, guilt, and uncertainty.
But amid the practical concerns — finances, parenting schedules, living arrangements — it’s our mental health that needs some care.
The Emotional Impact of Separation
Research shows that divorce is not only a legal and logistical change but can be a deeply personal emotional transition. For some, it can lead to:
Anxiety or panic related to an uncertain future
Depression stemming from loss and disrupted identity
Chronic stress, which affects sleep and appetite
Grief, even when the separation feels like the right decision
Children are also impacted, often picking up on tension between parents and struggling with changes in their routine or sense of safety.
The good news? There are ways to navigate this transition that protect your emotional wellbeing and help you support your children, too.
6 Tips for Managing Stress During Divorce
1. Normalise Your Emotions
It’s okay to feel like you’re on a bit of an emotional rollercoaster. Give yourself permission to grieve, be angry, or feel lost. These emotions are not a sign of weakness — they’re part of healing.
2. Maintain Routines Where Possible
Routine provides a sense of stability in a time that feels chaotic. Stick to consistent mealtimes, sleep habits, and parenting schedules — especially for your children.
3. Lean on Trusted Support
Talk to friends, family, or a therapist. Having someone to listen without judgment can help you feel less alone and more grounded.
4. Focus on What You Can Control
You may not be able to control other peoples behaviour or how long the process takes, but you can control how you respond, who you involve in your support network, and how you care for yourself.
5. Use Mediation as a Tool to Reduce Conflict
Mediation is a chance to reduce emotional strain by keeping communication structured, respectful, and focused on the future.
6. Prioritise Self-Care, Even in Small Doses
Even 10 minutes a day of something calming — a walk, deep breathing, journaling, or reading — can make a difference. You don’t need to do everything perfectly; just do something kind for yourself that works for you.
You Are Not Alone
Every day, we work with families who are navigating the emotional challenges of separation. You are not alone in this journey. Whether you’re just starting the process or adjusting to life after divorce, support is available — and you deserve to take care of your mental and emotional health along the way.
If you’d like to talk to a mediator or find local support resources, we’re here to help.