Emotional Struggles Before and After Breakups

Many fathers carry emotional scars—past traumas or unresolved pain—long before relationships begin. When those ties dissolve, the hurt deepens, shaking their sense of self. Craig, David, and Obie discussed on a recent support meeting how personal brokenness shapes their challenges. “The divorce didn’t just end a marriage; it exposed all my cracks,” David says.

Data underscores this: 71% of divorced fathers report pre-existing emotional struggles, and 34% face worsened mental health post-separation (Journal of Family Psychology, 2024). Losing daily contact with children—76% of whom live primarily with mothers (Pew Research Center, 2024)—heightens feelings of loss. These struggles aren’t just court-related; they’re deeply personal.

Craig notes, “We’ve got to look at what’s hurting inside.” The movement encourages fathers to confront these issues, not ignore them. With 44% of U.S. children affected by parental separation (National Survey of Children’s Health, 2024), addressing emotional pain is key to staying present for kids despite fractured families.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6_Uk7zvBwA