Social Stigma (part 1): Divorce

Lately, I have been hearing the word “divorce” a little too often — on the radio, in conversations, on social media. And almost every time, it’s followed by a negative comment than positive one.

This got me thinking: Why does divorce still carry so much stigma in our communities?

Whether you're a man or a woman, one the D word happens, some people suddenly start looking at you differently — as if you failed, didn’t try hard enough, or are now somehow “less than.”

Then you get those who 'pity you' while the married ones suddenly avoids you 😆.

💡 Here are a few thoughts from someone who has been there:

Divorce is painful, yes. But I have learned that it doesn’t have to be the end of everything. It can be a turning point — an opportunity to a life beyond the pain. A conscious choice for peace, healing, and the possibility of wholeness again.

Divorce happens because something just wasn’t working anymore. And yet, the fear of judgment is so real that many of us hide our truth.

👉 When I went through it, it broke me. The shame was unbearable. For a while, I couldn’t see beyond that moment. To a point that, I pretended like I was still married, months after the relationship ended.

Not because I was ashamed of the decision, but because I dreaded the 'what happened and why' questions, the misinformed advices, the quiet whispers. It can be a lot while you are still trying to sort yourself out.

I believe we need a more supportive society, irrespective of our moral codes, religious and cultural believes. One that doesn’t shame people, men or women, for walking away from or being left from relationships that no longer serve their mental, emotional, or physical wellbeing.

Let’s not make it about ourselves. Try to listen more to those who are worried about being judged. Let’s support the ones who are shamed for “giving up,” and those who feel they’ve lost a community, not just a marriage.

👉🏾Stigma is when someone is discredited, judged, or treated unfairly simply because of a particular experience, condition, or status — like being divorced. It isolates, silences, and often hurts more than the experience itself.

#lifebeyond #diaryofpr #relationships #mentalhealth #clarity #NewBeginnings #stigmafree #healthylifestyle