Jun 25, 2026
In the early days of separation, it can feel like your whole life has changed faster than your mind and body can process.
You might still be functioning on the outside working, parenting, replying to messages, paying bills — but inside, you feel like you are falling apart.
In this solo episode I talk about what I call separation shock: the emotional, practical and mental overwhelm that can happen when a relationship ends or when separation becomes real. I bring you back to what matters most in the beginning: safety, steadiness, support, information and one practical next step.
In this episode, I discuss:
- What separation shock is and why it happens
- Why the first few days and weeks of separation can feel so overwhelming
- The difference between urgent and important decisions
- Why you should avoid making big decisions from panic
- How separation affects your nervous system, sleep, parenting and decision-making
- The importance of stabilisation, information and connection
- What to focus on in the first 72 hours after separation
- How to support someone you love who is going through a breakup, divorce or separation
- Why shame and isolation can make separation feel even harder
- The question to ask yourself when everything feels chaotic: “Who do I want to be in this?”
This episode is for anyone who is newly separated, thinking about separation, still living under the same roof, navigating divorce, supporting a friend through separation, or feeling overwhelmed by the practical and emotional reality of relationship breakdown.
Note
This episode discusses emotional distress, family breakdown and suicide risk. If this episode feels too close or brings something up for you, please reach out to someone you trust or contact a crisis support service in your country.
In Australia, Lifeline is available 24/7 on 13 11 14. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, please call emergency services.
Resources
Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732
Emergency services Australia: 000
Host: Nikki Parkinson, TEDx Speaker, Divorce Doula, Coach and Founder of The Divorce and Separation Hub.
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Join our Divorce and Separation community HERE.
Watch Nikki's TEDx Talk HERE.
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This episode is produced by Dan King of
Dan King
Productions.
This episode is sposnored by Simple Separation, the smarter
way to separate. Simple Separation is an online, fixed-fee
service designed to help Australian couples finalise their divorce
and separation respectfully, collaboratively, and without the
stress of going to court. From property settlements and
parenting plans to child support and divorce applications,
everything you need is under one roof, saving you time, money, and
unnecessary conflict.
Book your free consultation today to find out if Simple Separation is right for your situation at simple-separation.com.au.
Disclaimer
I hope you enjoyed the podcast today. The information we discussed today was just that information only. It is not specific advice. If you take action following something you heard today, it is important to make sure you get professional advice about your unique situation before you proceed, whether that advice be legal, financial, accounting, medical or other advice. Please reach out to me if you have any questions or if there’s another topic you’d like explored.