In this BBC Radio discussion, the emotional impact of divorce on men is explored through the lens of grief, identity, and emotional support. The segment follows research suggesting that many middle-aged men feel unsupported after separation, with a significant number struggling to navigate the emotional aftermath of divorce and major relationship breakdowns.
Relationship coach and author Lorin Krenn explains that divorce often involves far more than the loss of a relationship itself. He describes how couples typically build a shared vision, identity, and future together, meaning that separation can trigger a deep sense of grief and disorientation. According to Krenn, many men not only lose the partnership but also part of their sense of self and direction, while lacking the emotional support systems needed to process that transition.
The conversation also touches on the role of conditioning and emotional suppression in male experiences of divorce. Krenn notes that many men have been taught to avoid vulnerability or emotional expression, making it harder for them to seek help or openly discuss pain and loss. He emphasizes the importance of meaningful support, whether through friends, therapists, coaches, or structured guidance, to help individuals move through grief, rebuild identity, and create a healthier foundation for the next chapter of life.
Listen to the full BBC Radio interview below:
The more you understand your wound, the worse it gets.