Coping in the early days when you are getting divorced or separated

In the early days of a separation

The initial stages of a family breakdown can feel like an emotional haze and a bit like being on autopilot. You may feel a mixture of emotions, including shock, anger, hurt or even relief. It is important to accept that this is a very natural part of the process of moving forwards, and it will take time.

As hard as it is, it is a case of taking each day as it comes without setting yourself unrealistic goals or expectations. It is common for your emotions to be up and down, and no two days may be the same for a while. 

You may get tired of hearing that time is a great healer but there is a lot of truth in this even though it is the last thing you may feel when in the middle of such a horrendous time. As time passes, things may start getting a little easier as you start accepting and managing your new normal.

Coping in the early days

If you can, lean on your friends and family as they can provide support and understanding. They may be able to provide a listening ear to help you express how you are feeling, gain perspective and develop coping strategies.

Taking time to heal and adjust to new circumstances can contribute to a healthier and more fulfilling life for both parents and children. Use the separation as an opportunity for personal growth and self-reflection, reflect on lessons learnt from the relationship and explore ways to develop personal strengths, set new goals and build up your resilience.

Prioritise the wellbeing of your children by maintaining a routine and calm environment. Encourage open communication with your co-parent and try to keep to routines and rules as consistent as possible. Putting children’s needs first can help parents stay focused on their responsibilities and minimise conflict.

Why self-care is crucial

In the early days, it is important to be kind to yourself and take each day as it comes. If you want to give your children what they need from you, you need to look after yourself too. You cannot do your best for your children and cope with a separation if you are running on empty or feeling anxious. The first step is to admit to yourself that you actually have feelings and needs of your own and recognising what they are. It may help to write down how you feel in a journal, so you have an outlet to express your feelings.

Prioritise your self-care by taking care of yourself, physically mentally, and emotionally. Resource yourself with some much needed ‘me time’. Try to add self-care into your routine, even if it is just 10 minutes a day. It can be a good book, a box set, an outdoor walk, exercise or perhaps some mindfulness or meditation to help recharge your batteries.