You don't have to carry this on your own.
Separation and divorce can hit harder than anything else in life. Talking to someone isn't weakness, it's what gets men through. Everything here is free and confidential.
In danger right now?
If you might act on thoughts of ending your life, or someone else is in danger, call your local emergency number now (999 in the UK, 911 in the US and Canada, 112 across Europe, 000 in Australia).
Free helplines.
You don't need to be in crisis to call. "I'm having a hard time" is enough.
- UK and IrelandSamaritans116 123Free, any time, day or night.
- UKCALM0800 58 58 58Campaign Against Living Miserably. Set up with men in mind. 5pm to midnight, every day.
- United States988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline988Call or text, any time.
- Canada9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline988Call or text, any time.
- AustraliaMensLine Australia1300 78 99 78Counselling for men, including relationship and family breakdown. Any time.
- AustraliaLifeline13 11 14Crisis support, any time.
- New ZealandNeed to talk?1737Call or text, any time.
- Netherlands113 Zelfmoordpreventie0800 0113Free, any time. Or call 113.
Somewhere else, or a number above doesn't work? findahelpline.com lists free, confidential helplines in over 130 countries.
When it's time to talk to someone.
Hard weeks are normal after a marriage ends. But talk to your doctor or a helpline if, for more than a couple of weeks:
- You feel low, numb or hopeless most days.
- You're drinking more, or using something else, to get through.
- You can't sleep, or can't get out of bed.
- You've stopped seeing or speaking to anyone.
- Work, or looking after your kids, is slipping.
Don't wait if you've had thoughts that people would be better off without you, or thoughts of ending your life. Call a helpline above today.
The practical side.
Your doctor. A GP or family doctor can talk through how you're feeling and refer you for counselling or talking therapy, often free.
Legal questions. Custody, contact with your kids, the house: talk to a family lawyer or a mediator. Many offer a free or low-cost first conversation, and legal aid may be available where you live.
Money worries. Free, independent debt and money advice services exist in most countries. They can help you make a plan before things pile up.
Other men. The Sunday check in is there every week. It's not a replacement for any of the above, but you don't have to go through it alone.