Health and wellbeing after separation

When a relationship breaks down it can leave you and your children feeling different emotions. You might find some of these difficult to deal with.

If you think you may need some extra support, your first step could be to see your GP – or another health professional you feel comfortable with – and tell them how you're feeling.

NHS inform has advice on mental wellbeing, including counselling and therapy options.

Support organisations

You can speak to a support organisation for emotional help and practical advice.

Breathing Space
0800 83 85 87
Weekdays: Monday to Thursday, 6pm to 2am
Weekend: Friday 6pm to Monday 6am
Free and confidential help and support for people experiencing depression or anxiety.

Relationships Scotland
0345 119 2020 (Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4pm)
Provides relationship counselling, family mediation and other family support services across Scotland.

Childline
0800 1111
Offers confidential help and advice on any topic for children up to the age of 19. Phone the helpline or speak to a trained counsellor online.

Young Scot
infoline@young.scot
Provides information to young people in Scotland on all aspects of life – including coping with a family break-up.

Shared Parenting Scotland
0131 557 2440 
Offers monthly support groups online and across Scotland for parents to share their experiences of separation and divorce.

One Parent Families Scotland
0808 801 0323
Provides help to single parent families, a lone parent helpline and local support services covering employability and childcare.

Scottish Women's Aid
Phone: 0800 027 1234
Provides advice, support and safe accommodation for women (and their children) who have been abused by their partner or ex-partner. They can recommend local groups.

AMIS (Abused Men in Scotland)
Phone: 0330 094 9395 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm)
Supports men who are experiencing or have experienced domestic abuse. Call the confidential helpline (it's free to call from landlines and UK mobiles, and does not appear on phone bills) or find a local service near you.

Scottish Centre for Conflict Resolution
Phone: 0131 475 2493
Email: sccr@cyrenians.scot
Support for young people and their families to resolve conflicts at home. Find advice and information about conflict resolution and online support from professional mediators.