Coping emotionally after separation in Northern Ireland

Separation is hard, and your own wellbeing matters too. In Northern Ireland, Lifeline is a free 24-hour crisis helpline on 0808 808 8000 for anyone in distress or despair.

Relate NI offers counselling for separating and co-parenting families, Parentline NI has a helpline for parents, and the NSPCC has guidance on supporting children. You don't have to cope alone.

In Northern Ireland support tends to run through two doors: your GP, and Lifeline. Both are used every day by people in all sorts of situations, including plenty of parents finding separation hard. You do not need to have the right words ready before you call; the people who answer are trained to help you find them.

• Lifeline is Northern Ireland's crisis response helpline on 0808 808 8000; it is confidential, free and open 24 hours every day, and counsellors answer all calls (nidirect.gov.uk).
• Something many parents do not know: Lifeline can arrange an appointment for face to face counselling or other therapies in your area within seven days (nidirect.gov.uk).
• For ongoing support, assessments usually start with your GP, who will assess your needs and help you decide what to do next; talking therapies can form part of the plan agreed with you (nidirect.gov.uk).
• If you are deaf or have hearing loss, you can reach Lifeline by textphone on 18001 0808 808 8000 (nidirect.gov.uk).

Checked August 2026 against nidirect.gov.uk.

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.