Coping emotionally after separation (Ireland)

Going through a separation is tough, and you're not alone in finding it hard. One Family is there for you with their askonefamily helpline, plus they offer counselling, parenting courses and support tailored to separation, they really understand what you're going through. Accord also provides relationship counselling and mediation to help you work through things, and they have a special Teen Between service if you've got teenagers navigating the separation too.

If you need support for the children, Barnardos Ireland offers family support and services specifically for kids affected by separation. And if you're struggling with safety concerns, Women's Aid Ireland is there 24/7 on 1800 341 900. There's real help out there, reaching out is a brave first step.

Separation asks a lot of you, and it is normal to want someone steady to talk to. In Ireland there is more free support than many parents realise, from counselling arranged through your GP to services you can ring yourself at any hour. None of it requires a crisis; you are allowed to reach out simply because things feel heavy.

• If you have a medical card, the HSE National Counselling Service offers up to 8 free counselling sessions; you ask your GP or another health professional for a referral (hse.ie).
• You do not always need a GP first; the HSE lists free talk therapy from partner organisations you can contact yourself, including Aware on freephone 1800 80 48 48, Monday to Sunday, 10am to 10pm (hse.ie).
• Samaritans are there 24 hours a day for confidential, non judgemental support on freephone 116 123, and you can freetext HELLO to 50808 for a free 24 hour chat service (hse.ie).
• Not sure where to start? The HSE mental health information line on freephone 1800 111 888 is open any time, day or night (hse.ie).

Checked August 2026 against hse.ie.

Strong feelings after a separation are normal, and they usually ease with time and support. Looking after yourself helps you look after your children.

• Talking to someone, a helpline, a counsellor, or a trusted friend, helps more than coping alone.
• Keeping routines steady gives children a sense of security.
• Be patient with yourself; there is no set timeline for feeling better.

If you ever feel unable to cope or have thoughts of harming yourself, contact your GP or a crisis line straight away.