How to handle separation — in the hard moments
Getting through the specific gut-punches, one at a time.
The words are out and the floor's dropped away. You're reeling.
— Right now
- You don't have to sort anything tonight. Get through the next hours.
- Don't make big calls or send big messages while you're raw.
- Ring someone — a mate, family, or MensLine 1300 78 99 78. Don't be alone with it.
— Don't
- Don't beg, rage, or try to fix it all in one conversation.
— Later
- Work the practical stuff with the separation checklist when you're ready.
The words are out and the floor's dropped away. You're reeling.
— Right now
- You don't have to sort anything tonight. Get through the next hours.
- Don't make big calls or send big messages while you're raw.
- Ring someone — a mate, family, or MensLine 1300 78 99 78. Don't be alone with it.
— Don't
- Don't beg, rage, or try to fix it all in one conversation.
— Later
- Work the practical stuff with the separation checklist when you're ready.
Separation: the short version
- 1.Nothing big needs deciding tonight.
- 2.Don't be alone with it — MensLine 1300 78 99 78.
- 3.Plan your kid-free nights. Empty ones are the risk.
- 4.Co-parent in writing, calm, kids first.
- 5.Dark? Lifeline 13 11 14. It's a high-risk stretch.
Doing it tough?Call Lifeline 13 11 14