Delhi Bakery Owner Puneet Khurana Takes His Life Amid Divorce Dispute: What Are Mental Struggles of Separation

The recent suicide of Puneet Khurana, a 40-year-old bakery owner from Delhi, has sent shockwaves through the community. Khurana was found hanging in his home amid a bitter divorce dispute with his wife, Manika Pahwa. Their marriage, which began in 2016, ended in turmoil, marked by conflict over their shared business. 

The tragedy highlights the severe mental health struggles that can accompany divorce. Divorce is an emotional journey filled with pain and uncertainty. Many face intense feelings of loss, anger, and sadness. 

What Are the Mental Struggles of Separation?

Separation, whether due to divorce, breakup, or loss, can lead to significant mental health challenges. The emotional turmoil associated with separation can manifest in various ways, impacting daily life and overall well-being. As per a study published on PubMed, individuals who experience divorce or separation report significantly higher levels of mental struggles. Some of the other findings are mentioned below. 

• Elevated Anxiety and Depression: Individuals who went through divorce or separation showed greater levels of anxiety and depression than those who stayed married.
• Risk of Alcohol Abuse: There was also an increased risk of alcohol abuse among those who had divorced or separated. However, this association became non-significant when controlling for social support variables.
• Adjustment Factors: The study adjusted for various factors including educational attainment, age at first marriage, parental divorce, childhood aggression, neuroticism, current financial hardship, lack of a confidante, and frequency of social contact.
• Remarriage Impact: Notably, the mental health issues persisted even among individuals who had remarried or reunited with their spouses.
• Time Since Separation: There was no correlation found between the mental health measures and the time elapsed since the first separation or divorce.

Emotional Struggles of Separation

The emotional struggles of separation can be profound and complex, often leading to a range of conflicting feelings. Below are a few key emotional challenges individuals may face during this difficult time. 

• Feelings of Isolation: Separation can lead to feelings of loneliness and social isolation, particularly when individuals lose their primary emotional support system.
• Internalised Shame: Many people, especially men, may internalize the breakdown of their relationship as a personal failure, leading to shame and reluctance to seek help.
• Coping Mechanisms: Individuals often struggle with coping mechanisms, which can include substance abuse as a form of self-medication for underlying mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

Coping Strategies To Get Over Divorce

Getting over a divorce can be challenging, but there are effective strategies to help individuals navigate this difficult time. Below are a few key coping strategies that might help individuals to deal with their separation. 

• Establish a Routine: Getting back to a regular daily routine can provide a sense of structure and normalcy, helping to alleviate feelings of chaos and uncertainty that often accompany separation.
• Take Time for Yourself: Allow yourself the space to process your emotions without rushing into major decisions. Avoid making significant life changes immediately after the separation.
• Seek Support: Reach out to friends, family, or support groups. Sharing your feelings and experiences can provide comfort and reduce feelings of isolation.
• Professional Help: Consider therapy or counselling to work through complex emotions and develop coping skills. A mental health professional can offer guidance tailored to your specific situation.

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Implementing the above-mentioned strategies can significantly help individuals effectively manage their emotional struggles during the challenging process of separation. By actively engaging with these tips, individuals may foster resilience and strength, ultimately enabling them to move forward in their lives with renewed hope and a positive outlook for the future.