Dear beloved friends,
I am Lucinda, a mental health specialist and healer working in Liverpool, United Kingdom. Throughout my journey of over 5 years accompanying women, especially in my role at the Women’s Crisis Helpline and local psychological support centres, nothing makes me prouder than witnessing and contributing to helping women overcome post-divorce depression. Today, I want to share the most sincere emotions from my heart – the deep sadness when witnessing their pain, and the immense pride when they find light again for their lives.
Divorce is one of the most painful experiences a woman can face. In the UK, the estimated divorce rate is around 42%, and women after divorce often suffer more severe consequences. Approximately 28% of people going through divorce experience depression, while 27% of women fall into poverty after divorce – three times the rate of men. Many women in Liverpool and the Merseyside area whom I support have to face financial burdens, the pressure of raising children alone, losing their homes, and social isolation. They not only lose their life partner but also face stigma, loss of confidence, and a profound sense of failure.
I still remember the night shifts at the Women’s Crisis Helpline, receiving tearful calls from women in Liverpool, Manchester, or neighbouring areas. That sadness weighs heavily on me. I feel sad seeing them – strong wives and mothers – suddenly become fragile, blaming themselves, and losing hope for the future. They face disadvantages in every aspect: from child custody disputes, severe income reduction, to the pressure of a complex legal system and judgment from the community. Many fall into a spiral of depression, chronic insomnia, loss of appetite, and even suicidal thoughts.
But it is precisely these pains that awaken the deepest pride in me. Because I have been by their side, listening and accompanying them to find a way forward.
One story I can never forget is that of Emma (name changed), 41 years old, mother of two daughters, living in the Huyton area of Liverpool. When she came to me at the beginning of last year, she was at rock bottom. The divorce after 15 years of marriage left her devastated: her husband had an affair, there were bitter asset disputes, and she lost the right to the family home. She fell into severe depression – crying all day, not wanting to leave her bed, losing her part-time job at a local shop because she couldn’t concentrate, and frequently having negative thoughts. “I feel useless, I don’t deserve happiness anymore,” she said tearfully over the phone.
I accompanied Emma for a full 6 months, with weekly support sessions at the counselling room in Liverpool combined with video calls and daily WhatsApp messages. We started by creating a safe space for her to express all her pain without fear of judgment. I used Inner Child Healing techniques to help her embrace and heal the inner child – the little girl who once dreamed of a warm family but was deeply wounded. Through NLP Therapy, we identified and transformed limiting beliefs such as “Divorce is my failure” into “This is an opportunity for me to be reborn and become stronger.”
I guided her to practice daily mindfulness to manage emotions, build a self-care routine: walking along the River Mersey, joining community yoga groups in Liverpool, writing gratitude journals, and reconnecting with old friends. We also worked deeply on boundary setting – helping her learn to say “no” to pressures from her ex-husband’s family and prioritise her mental health. In particular, I supported her in building a new financial and career plan: she joined a short-term vocational training course organised by the local job centre and gradually regained confidence through small achievements, such as securing a more stable administrative job.
My emotions when witnessing her transformation are indescribable. From a thin, always red-eyed woman, Emma gradually became radiant. Just after 3 months, she was smiling more, taking her daughters to play at Sefton Park, and sharing: “I now know how to value myself. Divorce is not the end, but the beginning of a stronger version of me.” She rediscovered joy by joining single mothers’ support groups in Liverpool, organising meaningful birthdays for her daughters, and even starting community volunteer activities. Seeing her emotionally balanced, confident as a single mother, and developing herself, I was moved to tears – that was the proudest moment in my career.
The journey of supporting women overcoming post-divorce depression in Liverpool is not easy, but it brings profound meaning. I am proud to have contributed to helping dozens of women find hope again, affirm their self-worth, and build a fulfilling new life. Every smile, every step forward from them is the motivation for me to continue this work.
If you are currently or have gone through a difficult period after divorce, please know that you are not alone. I am always here in Liverpool, ready to listen and accompany you with all my dedication. Please reach out so we can turn pain into strength together.
With love and sincere companionship,
Lucinda
Psychology Specialist & Healer in Liverpool, UK