Divorce & men’s mental health: Impacts and coping strategies
21st November, 2025
Going through a divorce is extremely difficult for anybody, and it can have a significant impact on your mental health.
For many men, talking about their feelings is hard, both during and after a separation and the emotional toll can feel overwhelming.
Having the right support can make a real difference. Expert legal advice from experienced solicitors, alongside a support team including professionals such as therapists and friends and family can help you navigate both the practical and emotional challenges.
At Ward Hadaway, our divorce solicitors have extensive experience in supporting men through all types of divorce. Our One Lawyer service supports amicable divorces, while we also assist those navigating more complex situations, including challenging partners or questions about parental rights.
How a divorce can impact men’s mental health
Going through a divorce can bring up a wide range of emotions, with many men struggling in silence. You might experience:
- Anxiety – worries about finances, co-parenting, or the fear of losing contact with your children
- Depression – feeling low or hopeless as a result of emotional loss, life changes or ongoing stress
- Stress and burnout -managing legal, financial and parenting responsibilities all at once can feel overwhelming
- Grief and loneliness – missing the emotional support of your partner and adjusting to life without them
- Frustration or anger -particularly when dealing with property, business or family disagreements
- Turning to alcohol or substances – sometimes used to cope with stress or emotional pain, but can worsen mental health
- Suicidal thoughts – research suggests that men are at a higher risk. Data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) highlights the connection between separation and divorce on mental health in the United Kingdom, with 75% of suicides in England and Wales being male and a notable percentage correlating with relationship issues.
These feelings are common, and you are not alone.
Coping strategies which support men’s mental health during a divorce
Research conducted into the impact of separation and divorce on men suggests that the short-term period after a relationship breakdown appears to be particularly risky for men’s mental health.
Although you may experience some extreme thoughts and feelings during your divorce – like anger, betrayal, guilt and sadness – it is important to remember that you won’t feel like this forever and help is available to you.
Your friends and family are there to provide emotional encouragement when you need it, or support with practical tasks like cooking, cleaning and childcare, which could include creating a parenting agreement to ensure you still get to see and spend time with your children.
There are several coping strategies which you can implement on your own to support your mental health during the divorce process.
Acknowledge your emotions
It’s okay to not be okay and by acknowledging how you feel as a result of your separation or divorce, you will help relieve stress and further mental health issues because allowing yourself to feel your emotions without judgement is a crucial part of the healing process. This is an important first step in coping with the emotional impact of divorce.
Prioritise self-care
Taking care of your physical and emotional wellbeing is crucial during a divorce. It could look like engaging in exercise, meditation, deep breathing exercises or spending time in nature. Or, you could pick up a new hobby to support your mental health.
Prioritising healthy eating, getting enough sleep and taking part in regular exercise is crucial in supporting your overall mental wellbeing.
Set boundaries
Establishing clear boundaries with your ex-partner can help reduce conflict and minimise stress. By implementing a clear co-parenting agreement and highlighting your needs and preferences regarding communication and decision making, you are ensuring boundaries are set and met where necessary.
They can also help you regain a sense of control during a difficult time in your life.
Getting professional help
If you feel like your mental health as a result of your separation or divorce is becoming too much to handle alone, you can also seek the support from your GP or through a qualified therapist who can help you learn how to deal with your feelings and help you move forward with your life.
Ward Hadaway’s divorce solicitors can support you during a divorce
During a divorce, it is essential that you obtain professional legal advice from specialist divorce solicitors to ensure all legal proceedings and matters are handled correctly.
From offering tips for selling your house after a divorce to highlighting the relevant procedures to follow when taking your children on holiday after a divorce, our divorce solicitors are experts in what divorce means for families.
Contact us for a confidential chat today.
Please note that this briefing is designed to be informative, not advisory and represents our understanding of English law and practice as at the date indicated. We would always recommend that you should seek specific guidance on any particular legal issue.
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