Mental Health Awareness Week – Self-care during relationship breakdown

There is no better time than the present to focus on our mental health. This week is Mental Health Awareness Week and this year’s theme is ‘Nature’.

Here at Herrington Carmichael, we recognise that going through family proceedings can be extremely stressful. We pride ourselves on being approachable, sensitive and supportive during what can be a difficult and emotional time.

Many people find that connecting with nature can be helpful in supporting good mental health. This year’s campaign is focussing on connecting with nature and evidence has shown that this can have a positive impact on wellbeing, both physically and mentally, and this has certainly been the case for many people during the nationwide lockdowns the country has collectively experienced over the course of the past fifteen months.

While we can assist with the legal aspect of your situation and will always act with compassion and empathy, we also recognise the importance of signposting you to other professionals who are appropriately qualified and better placed to assist with the emotional impact of relationship breakdown and family related difficulties. Your divorce or separation team should not just be made up of your lawyer and friends and family if you are to get the most constructive and helpful emotional support through the process.

It may be that a divorce coach or consultant can assist with coping strategies, provide practical support and emotional guidance to help you feel more in control of the process. Specialist counselling may also be a beneficial option.

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
    mentalhealth.org.uk
  • Mind: Offers advice and support to empower those experiencing mental health problems
    mind.org.uk
  • Samaritans:
    samaritans.org
  • 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
    womensaid.org.uk
  • 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
    mensadviceline.org.uk
  • Your Sanctuary, Surrey Heath: Offer sanctuary, support and empowerment to anyone affected by domestic abuse
    Tell – 01483 776822
    yoursanctuary.org.uk

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 686 222, or use the contact form below.

 

 

Sarah Speed
Partner, Head of Family
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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.

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