Divorce is normal: This group offers comfort and guidance to individuals who have experienced a split-up

Shasvathi Siva

Isolating is the word Mumbai-based writer Shasvathi Siva uses to describe her experience of undergoing a divorce. Despite a strong support system of family and friends, the emotional journey of such an experience is far too different for a shared space of familiarity and empathy. That's when Siva reached out to someone on Twitter who was sharing her story of going through a divorce. "We related better, and that kind of support was different and incredible," Siva shares. She then sought to extend this space of comfort during a time of distress. That's when she started Divorce Is Normal, a series of in-person and virtual meetings of divorcees, and those contemplating it.

In order to streamline the support and also facilitate an organic approach to it without having to helm meetings, the writer launched a global support and resource group on Telegram channel this week, where people who are divorced, in the process of it, or thinking about getting a divorce can share their stories and resources such as contacts of therapists and lawyers, as well as job opportunities for those looking to rebuild their careers. "When you put people together, it's only inevitable that they will help each other, and that's what's happening on the channel," says Siva, who is currently writing a book on divorce.

LOG ON TO @shasvathi (link in the bio)