Who's In Your Corner?

Separation can leave you feeling isolated, even when surrounded by people. One of the most common things I hear from fathers I work with in the Hero's Journey program is that they didn’t realise how disconnected they had become until the weight of going it alone started to sink in. It’s easy to fall into the mindset that you have everything under control and that you have to handle everything by yourself, but the truth is, no one gets through separation without some kind of support. And that’s okay.?

The question is: Who’s in your corner??

Having a strong support network is crucial during times of transition. Whether it's friends, family, or professional support, these people can provide the emotional, practical, and sometimes even legal help that you need to navigate this difficult chapter. Women traditionally have been much better at building support networks around them than men. Let’s look at how you can build, strengthen, or reconnect with those around you to make sure you’re not tackling this alone.?

Reconnect with Old Friends and Family?

It’s easy to lose touch with friends or even drift away from family during a relationship. Sometimes life just gets in the way. But now more than ever, reconnecting with those who have known you for years can offer some of the most meaningful support.??

Reach out to that mate you haven’t seen in a while. Give family members a call. You might feel awkward at first, wondering if they’ll still be there for you after all this time, but you’d be surprised how people respond when you’re honest about where you’re at and what you need. Even if it’s just a coffee catch-up or a chat over the phone, these moments of connection can provide a sense of normalcy and stability when everything else feels uncertain.?

I’m originally from the Netherlands and I have a number of friends that I grew up with and know me from way back. It’s easy to connect with them and they give me a familiar feeling and often offer a different perspective on how I see things. And because we have know each other for decades they are not shy of challenging me and telling me what they really think. This can be really helpful when you are feeling like a victim in a situation and you need to take responsibility and control of a situation.?

Remember, support doesn’t always have to come with grand gestures. Sometimes, it’s just knowing that someone’s there to listen when you need it.?

Lean Into New Communities?

Building new connections can feel daunting, but it’s important to surround yourself with people who understand what you're going through. Whether it's a local dad’s group, a community meet-up, or an online forum for separated fathers, finding a space where you can share your experiences and hear from others in similar situations can be a game-changer. These communities provide not only emotional support but also practical advice, giving you insights into how others have navigated similar challenges.?

Personally I was lucky enough to run into a Men’s Circle where a group of men are sharing their thoughts and challenges with other men on a regular basis. It’s great to have a place where others create a safe space for you to share your challenges.?

If you’re in a new phase of life and feel like you're lacking a support network, now’s the time to create it. Sometimes, stepping out of your comfort zone and joining a group or starting conversations with new people can open doors to the kind of help and friendship you never expected.? If you are are looking to connect with other Separated Fathers in Melbourne feel free to join the Separated Fathers Dinner. Leave your details and I’ll send you an invite to the next one:? https://nam.dcv.ms/gEBXzKbEB9 .?

Get Professional Guidance?

When life feels overwhelming, it’s okay to seek professional support. Whether it's speaking with a counsellor or coach to help process your emotions or getting legal advice from a lawyer to ensure you're on the right path with co-parenting or finances, reaching out for professional help can relieve a lot of the stress you're carrying.?

Don’t underestimate the power of talking things through with someone who’s trained to help. Counsellors, therapists, and coaches can offer tools and strategies to help you move forward in a healthy, productive way. It’s not a sign of weakness—it’s a sign that you’re committed to taking care of yourself so that you can be the best version of yourself for your kids, your work, and your future.? If you like to have a chat and explore if coaching can help you or if you just need some support now, then feel free to book in a free session with me: https://calendly.com/sisucoaching/discovery-session-tsc ???

Strength in Numbers?

Separation can feel like a solo journey, but it doesn’t have to be. The strongest fathers I’ve worked with in the Hero's Journey program aren’t the ones who try to do everything on their own—they're the ones who lean on the people around them when things get tough. Reaching out and accepting help when it's offered takes courage, but it’s one of the most powerful steps you can take.?

Building your support network is about creating a circle of people who want to see you succeed and are there for you when you need them most. Whether it’s old friends, new communities, or professionals who guide you through the process, there’s strength in numbers.?

Stay Connected?

If you're feeling isolated or need help building your own support network, consider joining the Hero's Journey program. Through this program, I help fathers not only rebuild their lives but also reconnect with others going through similar challenges. For more information, visit our website: https://theseparationcoach.com.au/heros-journey/ .?

Follow me on LinkedIn for more tips and advice. You don’t have to go through this alone.?

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