Emotional Support

• Addressing Fears
• Mental Wellbeing
• Counselling Services

Mental Wellbeing

Relationship breakdown is one of the most stressful things you will ever experience. It is totally normal to feel anger, depression, frustration, fear, sadness, loneliness, happiness, relief, lack of motivation or denial.

Just accept that for a while you are going to experience a range of emotions and that facing rather than avoiding them is the best way to move on.

• Although it may be hard, you need to talk about your feelings, to family and friends if you feel able. Being honest with friends and family about the situation means you can enlist their support when you need it the most. Many people will have experienced the same situation and their help can be invaluable on both an emotional and practical level. There are books you can read that may also help.
• If this isn't possible you can talk to your GP, a member of the clergy or a counsellor . Talking through your problems can give you the clarity you need to move forward. Hiding your feelings just means that you have to deal with them at a later date and you may get stuck, unable to move on with your life or into a new relationship.
• If you notice symptoms of depression then you should talk to your GP. These symptoms can include sleeplessness, over eating, lack of appetite, over dependence on alcohol or drugs, palpitations, thoughts of suicide or self harm, general low self-esteem, inability to communicate or avoidance of communication or lack of social interaction. There is no shame in feeling down after such a shocking event and you don't have to suffer in silence. The Depression Alliance may be able to help you.
• Your mental health is linked to your physical health . There are things you can do to look after yourself. Maintain a healthy diet, watch your alcohol intake, take regular exercise and find new activities to give you focus.
• Sometimes the best support you can receive is through advice and information from other people who have experienced relationship breakdown. You can chat with other people who are going through the same experience as you on our forum .
• During particularly stressful events and times when we need a kick start or a helping hand, many of us are increasingly appreciating the value of the services on offer from life coaches, counsellors, mentors, psychotherapists and complementary therapists.

Other useful organisations with expertise in offering emotional support include:

• Mind
• Depression Alliance
• Relate

If you're in severe emotional distress the Samaritans are there for you 24 hours a day. They offer 24 hour confidential support. Go to Samaritans for details. Call 08457 90 90 90 or email: jo@samaritans.org .