Episode #64: Men and divorce - advice from the founder of Blue Mind Approach

In this episode, Kate was joined by Mark Kozminski to talk about his divorce and the impact it had on his mental health which led him to create the Blue Mind Approach, to help other men going through divorce and separation.

The Blue Mind Approach is a platform that aims to drive behavioural change, build awareness, and encourage men to share, heal and grow. Kate and Mark discuss his divorce and journey of personal growth and self-discovery. Mark speaks candidly about his former drinking and gambling addiction which contributed to his separation and subsequent divorce. They discuss the void in support and advice for men going through a separation, and how this lack of support can often fuel addictions and mental health problems.

Kate and Mark touch on many common struggles that specifically men face whilst going through a separation and how this can impact healing after. Fitness and health played a crucial role in healing for Mark, as did the notion of acceptance and its ability to drive change. They also look at Mark’s co-parenting and the journey from no contact, to now having a functioning parenting arrangement post-divorce. Finally, they explore the difficulties that are presented when one person moves on earlier than the other and how damaging labels can be for both people involved.

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Trigger Warning: This episode covers content that some listeners might find distressing including alcohol abuse, gambling, poor mental health and suicide.

Organisations who can help:

• Your local GP
• Mind - mental health charity
• Samaritans - dial 116 123 or text SHOUT to 85258
• YoungMinds Crisis Messenger – for people under 19
• Is your life in danger? - dial 999
• Outside of the UK? Search for help here
• Gamcare - support with gambling
• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) - support with alcohol addiction