The emotional strain experienced during such a time often affects both parents and children, with anxiety, stress, and grief commonly surfacing. It is imperative during such an emotionally impactful period to consider the consequences on one’s mental health.
The psychological impact of Family Breakdown
Family breakdowns can have a profound psychological impact, causing emotional and mental health strain for those involved. Individuals often experience feelings of distress, grief, guilt, fear, failure, and heightened stress. For children caught in the middle of family disputes, the psychological effects can be even more severe, with many facing anxiety, behavioural problems, and struggles with attachment. The consequences of unresolved family conflicts can extend well into the future, potentially leading to chronic stress, trust issues, and challenges in forming healthy relationships later in life. These long-term effects highlight the deep and lasting impact family breakdowns can have on mental health.
The role of Mediation in supporting Mental Health
Mediation provides a neutral environment for family members to resolve disputes, significantly reducing the emotional tension that often accompanies family breakdowns. By focusing on communication, understanding, and collaboration, mediation allows both parties to express their concerns and needs constructively, promoting emotional control. This may reduce anger, frustration, and resentment that can arise in a more adversarial court setting.
Rather than relying on a judge to make decisions, mediation empowers individuals to maintain control over the outcome, which can alleviate feelings of helplessness and disempowerment. By entering into discussions with a mediator, a couple may be able to find a way to communicate better going forward, which is necessary if there are children involved. Mediation is not a form of counselling, but it can complement therapeutic support by offering a structured yet supportive setting. In cases where emotional or psychological support is needed, mediators can provide referrals to local counsellors or therapists.
The Mental Health benefits of Mediation for children
Mediation can have a significant positive impact on children’s mental health by promoting a stable family environment. By helping to reduce conflict between parents, mediation can be used to create co-parenting plans. It can be highly beneficial for a child to know that the parents are working together to try and resolve matters consensually rather than seeing them pitted against one another in court. Exposure to less parental conflict, such as through the reduction of contentious legal proceedings, shields children from unnecessary emotional turmoil. Mediation also leads to child-centred solutions, such as focussed and agreed child arrangements, prioritising the children’s emotional security and well-being.
Can mediation help support Mental Health during family breakdown?
Mediators are trained professionals skilled at handling sensitive family issues and providing a supportive environment throughout the separation process. They provide a safe, non-judgemental space where individuals can express their feelings and views in an environment designed to help the parties’ to communicate with one another. Mediators maintain a neutral and balanced approach and guide each session calmly and strategically to minimise emotional outbursts that might otherwise hinder effective communication. By ensuring that both parties feel heard and understood, mediators foster a sense of emotional support and stability during an otherwise challenging time. There are a variety of different methods of mediation that may be employed, including direct mediation where the parties discuss matters directly with the mediator or shuttle mediation where the parties are in separate rooms and the mediator moves between them. It is important to remember that mediation is only one method of Non-Court Dispute Resolution and there are a number of other options that may be employed.
Additional resources for looking after your mental health during Separation and Mediation
By engaging in a method of Non-Court Dispute Resolution such as mediation, the stress and pressure of court proceedings and timetabling may be reduced. However, for all people going through a separation it is important to be gentle with yourself and take steps to protect your mental health. Dealing with the ramifications of the breakdown of a relationship is usually not dealt with overnight and you will need the emotional fortitude to be able to navigate matters over time. A number of self-help methods are:
- Seek Support: There are a wealth of online resources offering practical advice to those going through separation. It is important to lean on your own support system as well and talk to family members and friends rather than bottling feelings up. It may also be appropriate to consider seeking individual counselling or therapy to help manage emotions and improve resilience.
- Stay Focused on Solutions: Remember that mediation is designed to reach a fair and collaborative outcome. Focusing on this goal can reduce stress and frustration.
- Take Care of Yourself: Prioritise self-care throughout the mediation process, such as getting enough rest, eating well, and engaging in activities that promote relaxation such as exercise and meditation..
How we can help:
At Payne Hicks Beach, our experienced family law team understands the emotional strain that often accompanies family breakdowns. We recognise that managing mental health through this process is just as important as resolving legal issues. Our mediator and solicitors are skilled in facilitating conversations that focus on collaboration rather than conflict, ensuring that both parties can express their needs and concerns in a constructive environment. We are leaders in considering the mental health impacts of separation on individuals and have a dedicated suite of documents and advice for clients and professionals alike which can be found here: https://www.phb.co.uk/mental-health-and-family-breakdown
We can help you navigate the separation process with the utmost sensitivity, providing a supportive space to reach fair, sustainable solutions while reducing emotional distress. We are well versed in all methods of Non-Court Dispute Resolution and are able to advise you on which method may be most suitable to meet your needs. Whether it’s child arrangements, financial support, or co-parenting agreements, we ensure that your well-being is prioritised throughout and support you to find the best solution for your individual family needs.
Conclusion
Mediation may offer a good option for resolving disputes arising out of family breakdown in appropriate cases. By providing a neutral and collaborative space for families, mediation can significantly improve emotional well-being, ensuring that all family members feel heard and respected. Families facing breakdowns should consider mediation as an option to resolving disputes, as well as considering other forms of Non-Court Dispute Resolution such as arbitration, early neutral evaluation and collaborative approaches. We can help guide you to the process most suited to your family’s bespoke circumstances. Whilst Non-Court Dispute Resolution opportunities must be considered in every case, it is important to remember that they will not be suitable in every case, and if there are concerns about inequality of bargaining power, fraud or misrepresentation, then the court may be the most appropriate option.
For further information, please contact Kelly Gerrard, Legal Director and Knowledge Development Lawyer in the Family Department or, alternatively, telephone on 020 7465 4300.
To access our dedicated webpage with free Essential Resources for Supporting and Protecting Vulnerable Clients, click here.
To learn more about divorce, separation and family law, visit our dedicated webpage and download a free copy of our Essential Guide to Divorce and Family Law here.
