Going through a breakup, separation, or divorce can be one of the most emotionally and mentally challenging periods in a person's life. Yet, despite how common it is, support systems - especially in the workplace - can fall short. In this conversation, we’re joined by someone who has made it her mission to help others navigate divorce with strength and clarity.
Sara Davison, widely known as The Divorce Coach, is an authority on breakups, separation, and divorce. With over 15 years of coaching experience and her own lived experience, Sara has transformed personal hardship into a powerful support system for others.
In addition to sitting on our advisory board1, Sara serves as a patron for The Dash Charity2, supporting survivors of domestic abuse. We sat down with Sara to discuss separation, suicide prevention and R;pple.
Can you share a bit about your background and experience with separation and divorce? What led you to specialise in this area?
I had been coaching for 15 years when I was catapulted out of my marriage. I discovered my husband was madly in love with another woman and they were expecting a baby.
I was devastated and looked for help but couldn’t find anything that helped me navigate the fear and overwhelm, the heartbreak and betrayal.
So, I combined my divorce experience with my coaching skills to create the toolkit I now share with people all over the world to help them to cope better with any breakup.
What are the biggest challenges faced by people struggling with separation and divorce?
We all struggle with change and divorce creates a ripple effect which causes change across so many areas of our lives including living arrangements, time with the kids, finances, ability to work, friendships, mental and physical health and lifestyle.
Does separation and divorce increase the risk of suicide?
Everyone copes differently with the impact of a divorce but loneliness and isolation is a sign that someone is struggling.
Some find it harder to talk about how they are feeling and their fears for the future - this has a cumulative effect which can severely impact mental wellbeing.
It’s common to stuff down negative emotions or turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms like drink, partying or isolating.
Does separation and divorce have an impact on workplaces?
Research has shown that a breakup or divorce has a huge negative impact on both mental wellbeing of staff as well as the financial bottom line of the organisation.
It reduces productivity by up-to 40% per employee and also up-to 5% on their colleagues and managers. Absenteeism rises by 23% and 1 in 10 leave the company3.
How can employers better support their staff struggling with separation and divorce?
Understanding the impact of divorce on your employee will enable you to reduce the negative impact for them and your business.
There are areas where flexibility in their working environment and providing emotional support will make a positive difference. We offer breakup, divorce and domestic abuse awareness accreditations and training as well as coaching support to fast-track employees breakup recovery.
What does your role as a R;pple advisory board member involve?
My company provides 32 hours of free group online support4 for anyone dealing with breakup, divorce and domestic abuse for Ripple. I am also on hand to provide guidance on my specialist area when needed.
Why is it important for R;pple to expand its protection to those struggling with separation and divorce?
The devastation of a breakup is all consuming and some struggle to see a way through it.
By providing proven support to help people to cope better with any breakup we can provide that emotional support that reassures and shows a clear path forward.
How does technology play a role in positive mental health and suicide prevention?
Technology provides a way to instantly connect to the help and support needed in the privacy of their own home and anonymously too. It increases the accessibility for those who really need it.
If there’s one key message you’d like to share about supporting individuals with separation and divorce, what would it be?
It’s not what happens to you in life that defines you, it’s what you do about it that makes you the person you are. So please do ask for help or join our free online support groups4 to get the life changing support that you need to move forward.
Any final thoughts on how we, as a society, can do better in mental health support and suicide prevention?
Asking those around us how they are and really listening to their answers. If we all took an extra minute to listen it makes a real positive difference to those who need it and feel heard, maybe for the first time in a long time,
Sources
1. Ripple Advisory Board, Ripple
3. Why wellbeing strategy must account for breakup and divorce, HR Grapevine
4. Free online group support, Sara Davison
