Blue Monday sheds light on mental wellbeing during separation

Monday, 17 January has the ominous title of Blue Monday. Unfortunately this day is recognised as being one of the most depressing days in the year. The press are often shouting loudly about divorce day being the first working day in January and there is a lot of press about the upcoming changes to the divorce laws occurring in April 2022 when the reforms will allow divorce is to proceed on a no-fault basis. Regardless of all of the hype and the impending changes is clear that societies views on mental health are fortunately changing for the better. In addition the lockdown has focused a lot of attention on the nation’s mental health. We in the Family Team have spoken to many people over the last 18 months who have been really suffering emotionally during the lockdown and having a difficult relationship and living environment at home is of little help. For those people Blue Monday sadly will be no different.

Going through a separation can be a grieving process and such emotions can make thinking straight hard. You may need support.

It is extremely important to understand what your options are likely to be if you do decide to carry out a planned separation and we at Herrington Carmichael are able to offer you advice regarding all of your options in terms of separating from either your spouse or your partner whether you have married or not. We are a friendly team who pride ourselves on being approachable and supported for our clients and offer a safe space for clients to discuss their problems. It is often the case that we may need to refer men or women to other organisations who may be better placed to help with some of the mental health challenges that they may face and we can offer advice in a practical and affordable way.

We can help put together a team of professionals who can provide you with support through what is often similar to a grieving process is a relationship ends and a new beginning blossoms.

There are many charities who can offer you support and these can be seen below you may also choose to use a divorce coach as they are often people have had experience in family law but can offer practical life support during the transitional period. This can be helpful for client who may find a combination of divorce coaching alloy a more efficient solution. If you like to speak to a member of our family team that any of the issues raised in this article or on blue Monday then please do contact us on (01726) 866247 or use the contact form below.

There is also an abundance of charities who can offer support for mental wellbeing. We have provided links to relevant organisations below which may be of use to you:

• Mental Health Foundation
  Offers a range of resources to give information about mental health and help people to look after their mental health
• Mind
  Offers advice and support to empower those experiencing mental health problems
• Samaritans
• Women’s Aid
  Offers a free 24 hour National Domestic Violence Helpline and an online guide ‘The Survivors Handbook’. Children may also benefit from visiting their kids’ website called ‘The Hideout’. Provides a list of regional centres and services – see the Domestic Abuse Directory on the home page.
  Tell – 0808 2000 247
• MALE (Men’s advice line and enquiries)
  Support and advice for male victims of domestic violence, information for their families and for men who want to change their violent and abusive behaviour.
  Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday 10am– 1pm and 2pm–5pm.
  Tell – 0808 801 0327
• Your Sanctuary, Surrey Heath
  Offer sanctuary, support and empowerment to anyone affected by domestic abuse
  Tell – 01483 776822
• The Divorce Alchemist – divorce coach

If you would like to speak to a member of our Family team about any of the issues raised in this article, please do contact us on +44 (0)1276 866 247, or use the contact form below.

This reflects the law and market position at the date of publication and is written as a general guide. It does not contain definitive legal advice, which should be sought in relation to a specific matter.

This reflects the law and market position at the date of publication and is written as a general guide. It does not contain definitive legal advice, which should be sought in relation to a specific matter.