Mental health articles

Knowing when to separate
Sometimes a relationship is so unhappy that separating may be the best solution. An unhappy relationship can be much worse for the entire family than separation. The kinds of situations
where separating is probably best include:
• when violence in the relationship remains a problem or is getting worse;
• when one partner is having another relationship or affair and has no intention of changing this behaviour;
• when both partners want to separate;
• when, despite help, the relationship remains deeply unhappy.

You can help by supporting both people in making the right decisions about how to part (for example, sharing parenting responsibilities for children) and the need to avoid costly, and unpleasant, legal fights. After the separation, you could play a role in counselling the couple, or more particularly the person who has been left alone, in coming to terms with their new life and instilling hope for a happier future.