Breakups are a common but often devastating life event that most people will experience. As health professionals, we can support our clients through these challenging times, helping them navigate their emotions and rebuild their lives. Breakups, divorce, or separation can evoke a wide range of emotions, including sadness, anger, relief, and confusion. Clients may also experience grief, as they mourn the loss of the relationship and the future they envisioned with their partner.
There are several strategies which can help clients through difficult times like these. Seeking social support from friends, family, or groups can provide both emotional and practical assistance, reducing feelings of isolation. Reengaging with activities they enjoy can distract from emotional pain and bring a sense of normalcy and joy, whether through hobbies, sports, or creative pursuits. Working through challenging emotions is also helpful; clients can process their feelings through journalling, therapy, or counselling.
Where possible, we should encourage clients to engage with the resources they already have in their lives. Leveraging existing support systems, such as close relationships and community connections, can provide a strong foundation for recovery. Additionally, digital resources can also complement these strategies. For example, online therapy platforms, self-help apps, and digital support communities can offer convenient and accessible support and connection.
Symptom Management and Wellbeing Tool:
CBT based wellbeing tools can be useful to encourage clients to tackle challenging thoughts and reconnect with people and activities that they enjoy.
e-Couch
Divorce & Separation Program
Free, CBT and IPT-based online, self-directed programs, for Australians aged over 16 years to help manage symptoms associated with depression, anxiety and worry, and social anxiety, and for wellbeing support through divorce and separation, and loss and bereavement.
Breakup Shakeup
App
https://apps.apple.com/au/app/breakup-shakeup/id1017200579
A free behavioural activation app providing adolescents and young adults with ideas for things to do to help cope after a breakup. Users can access a large library of activities to support them to get active, socialise and learn new ways of coping.
Peer Support
Divorce or separation can often be very isolating experiences. Digital peer support offers a platform for people to engage with others who are going through or have been through a similar situation.
Parents Beyond Breakup
Peer Support Helpline and Groups
https://parentsbeyondbreakup.com/
1300 853 437
A free helpline connecting parents and caregivers experiencing trauma related to family breakdown to a community of peers. Available to mums, dads and grandparents who have been impacted by family separation, it offers connection to a network of peer support groups. Available 9am to 4pm, 7 days a week.
Beyond Blue
Information and Peer Support Forums
Relationships and family issues forum
www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/relationship-and-family-issues
The Beyond Blue Online Forum ‘Relationships and family issues’ offers a safe, supportive, motivated online peer support forum for anything to do with managing relationships and family. This includes parenting, separation, loneliness, divorce, family, and friendships. The forum is free to access with registration and moderated by Beyond Blue.
Counselling
Online and phone counselling can be a great option for people who have been through a breakup or divorce to work through their emotions and encourage self-compassion.
MensLine
Phone, Video or Chat Counselling
1300 78 99 78
MensLine is a free telephone, video chat, or online chat counselling service offering support to men in Australia. MensLine Australia offers 24/7 support for men with concerns about mental health, anger management, using and experiencing family violence, addiction, relationships, and stress and wellbeing. Health professionals can also refer a client or patient to be assessed for eligibility to access a 4-session, structured counselling service with the same counsellor.
Beyond Blue
Phone or Chat Counselling
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
1300 224 636
A website offering free information on mental health, a screening tool (K-10), 24/7 phone and web-chat counselling, mental health coaching, and peer support forums. Topics include anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, natural disasters, as well as young people, parenting, employment stress, LGBTIQA+ people and support people. Easy-read, information for First Nations People and translated resources available.
SEWB Resources
Having a yarn with another Indigenous person can provide culturally safe support and understanding, fostering emotional healing, resilience, and connection during the challenging times of a breakup or divorce.
13 Yarn
Crisis Phoneline
13 92 76
A free, 24/7 Indigenous-led crisis phoneline for Australia’s First Nations People, providing culturally safe and confidential support. Callers who are feeling worried or no good can have a yarn to an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crisis supporter.
Brother to Brother Crisis Line
Crisis Phoneline
https://www.dardimunwurro.com.au/brother-to-brother/
1800 435 799 (24/7)
A free, 24-hour crisis counselling line providing support for Aboriginal men who need someone to talk to about relationship issues, family violence, parenting, drug and alcohol use, or who are struggling for other reasons. The phone line is staffed by Aboriginal men including Elders with lived experience.
Resources for Children impacted by divorce or separation
The impact of family divorce or separation on children can be profound, often leading to emotional and psychological challenges. Access to appropriate counselling and peer support can play a vital role in helping them navigate this difficult period.
Kids Helpline
Online and Phone Counselling
1800 55 1800
A free, 24/7 online and phone counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25 years. Qualified counsellors provide confidential crisis support, practical help, and emotional support for young people. The Kids Helpline website contains information and personal stories on a range of topics including divorce and separation for young people, as well as parents and caregivers, and schools.
ReachOut
Peer Support Forums – Family and Home Life
https://forums.au.reachout.com/t5/Family-and-home-life/bd-p/Family_and_home_life?sort=Alphabetical
A website and peer support service for young people seeking information and support to build resilience and improve mental wellbeing now and in the future. The online forums offer moderated access to an online community, whilst individuals can also access one-on-one chats with a peer worker with lived experience. The website provides practical tools and tips for young people and their parents and caregivers and information on a wealth of topics relevant to young people.
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